El ball game Maya, is part of one of the essential elements of culture Mesoamerican. On this occasion Spiritual energy It will describe everything related to this topic.
The mayas
The Maya They are one of the oldest civilizations in Mesoamerica. At present, some elements of their culture continue to be in force, due to the stories that the Mayas websites.
However, there are not large amounts of texts that extensively recount the histories, customs, culture and evolution of this culture. This is due to the fact that its authentic documents disappeared when they were burned by the Spanish at the time of the conquest of the American continent.
Therefore, much of the knowledge that remains of this culture is located in the countries where the Maya. which were Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and part of Belize.
Over the years, new findings related to this civilization have been obtained, highlighting mainly those related to how they established natural medicine, gastronomy, agriculture, astronomy, among other things.
Steps
this civilization Mesoamerican, has three extensive stages, classified by period of time. Which integrate its origin until its rupture with the Spanish conquest.
Preclassic Period
It covers the time between the years 2000 BC to 250 AD It is also known as formative, since the first forms of communication were generated through writing using hieroglyphs and the fabrication of traditional buildings. Developed later in the Middle Preclassic, becoming extensive and important cities.
Among these are the current Guatemala, Belizeand y Loltún en Yucatan, Mexico. Places where most descriptions and legacies of this civilization are located. One of the main characteristics of this period is that in it, agriculture only had beans, chili and corn as its main foods.
Classical period
It comprises the years 250 AD to 900 AD. At this time the most outstanding cities for civic and ceremonial activities were Tikal, Palenque, Copan and Bonampak. For what is considered that at that time, this civilization obtained much of its development, having great influence from Teotihuacán.
It was a period where hieroglyphic inscriptions had a greater development, thus registering their various activities in various places. Among which stands out his relationship with members of the royalty of various cities, through the union of political agreements.
However, various wars also took place, which according to various descriptions, generated a problem in the cultural field in the time of IX and X AD as well as the desolation of large cities. So the political system had a significant change, compared to how it worked in the preclassic period.
Postclassic Period
Developed between 950 AD and 1531 AD Despite the fact that the classic period modified many of the cities, the maritime trade sector grew and became one of the most relevant activities of this time.
So this period is divided into three moments. The first postclassic period where the arrival of the Itzá to the city of Chichen Itza. The second postclassic period, in which the Itzá are defeated by Cocom de Mayapan. And finally, the third postclassic period, where the fall of Mayapan and the beginning of what was considered the culmination of culture Maya, due to the arrival of the Spaniards.
gods of civilization Maya
This civilization had a wide mythological belief, in which it stands out that they praised more than one God. Therefore, among the most important was Chaac, considered the God of rain. Kukulkan, also known as the Feathered Serpent, which was considered by them as the God of wind and rain, or storms.
Was also Hurricane, who was the God of wind, storm and fire. Tepeu, who was considered the God of heaven. Ixchel, God of the moon, Buluc-Chabtan, considered as the deity of war and human sacrifice. oh punch, god of death and yum kaax, God of corn and agriculture. Also know all about the God Kukulcan.
Popol Vuh
The characteristics of this civilization are extensive, among which mythological beliefs, rites or activities such as the ball game stand out. Maya. Which are mainly described in his main literary text, the Popol Vuh. Also called Book of the Council of the ancient Quinché. One of the surviving texts of this culture.
In this literary work, it is mainly described what is related to the origin of the Earth, according to the belief of the Maya. So one of the main stories about him is how humanity originated. Specifically the so-called Quinche, who were the representation of a people that originated in Guatemala.
That is why the story of the Popol Vuh, describes the creation of man, from the decision of the gods belonging to this civilization. Those who had the intention of originating humanity, so that they could praise them.
This process had three attempts, in which different gods were involved, until in the third attempt they managed to create humanity. Therefore, when creation began, that is, in the first attempt, the result they obtained was to create man from clay. But this caused him to melt because it is such a soft material.
They then made a second attempt, in which they created him from wood, but once again they were unsuccessful, because man did not have a soul and this was essential to be able to praise the gods. However, on the third attempt they managed to create it successfully, because they used corn.
Hence in the Popol Vuh, after recounting the story of the creation of Christmas, focus on one of the well-known stories referring to the heroic twins Hunahpú and Xbalanqué. who faced the Lords of Xibalbto. From where everything related to the ball game is described Maya.
The story is based on the fact that the aforementioned humans, who practiced the ball game Maya in a field located above the realm of the dead, where the divine of Xibalba, so the place was called Xibalba.
The practice of the Mayan ball game in that territory caused the Lords of Xibalba they will get angry, thus generating a challenge for the twins, which was to make a game of the game in their area. They lost were sacrificed and buried. He cut off one of their heads and then hung himself on a dry tree.
Over the years, in the area where that tree was located, a maiden passed by, who was spat on by the same tree. That caused her to become pregnant and later give birth to the twins. Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué. Those who had various experiences in which they demonstrated their capabilities.
Both wanted to establish revenge on their father and uncle, which led them to create a plan to challenge the lords of Xibalba. Which was that they were going to learn the ball game Maya, in the same place where the game of its predecessors took place. In doing so, this again annoyed the of Xibalba. So a new challenge occurred, in which the twins had to jump over a vast burning pit.
When they tried, they fell and crushed their bones until they became ashes, which were thrown into the river and were stored on one of its banks. Area where the twins grew up again, who with the passing of time, returned disguised as Xibalba. Dominating the inhabitants, with the intention that they would keep them alive if they gave up all their power to do evil.
From there the twins Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué, they became deities and for this civilization they symbolize the Moon and the Sun. Learn more about the Myths Maya.
Ball game Maya
Also known as the Mesoamerican ball game. It is believed that its origin occurred in the year 1.400 BC, throughout the pre-Columbian localities that are part of Mesoamerica.
The ball game Maya, was executed in the usual activities of the settlers and in religious acts. Since its creation, it obtained a series of versions in some places where it was carried out.
In fact, today in certain Mexican areas, they play this game, but it is known as Ulama. At the time it originated, this important game for this Mesoamerican civilization, its objective was to solve problems of different kinds. Among which stood out the confrontations by land, tributes, commercial controls and many more.
Popular ways to play
One of the curious aspects of this sporting activity is that there are no known rules. However, there are those who consider that the rules were very similar to those of the mixed sport known as racquetball.
This is because the objective was for the ball to remain in motion and in the event that it fell, this meant a bad omen, since for some it symbolized the Sun. The use of stone hoops was later added to this game. , which caused it to completely change the way it was done. Well, whoever quickly put the ball in the hoop won. Another modality was to accumulate points when the ball touched the hoop.
Each of the elements that made up the ball game MayaIt had a lot of symbolism. Therefore, when the rubber ball moved, it meant the path of the sacred stars, that is, the Sun, the Moon and the planet Venus. Likewise, the person who won was considered to have the protection and support of the gods.
However, there are also writings related to this game, where it is described that there are doubts related to the winners, since it is unknown if the winners or losers were sacrificed. Well, this sports activity went much further, since it was also considered a religious ritual.
Which is because this symbolized that the main God of the Mexica, related to the Sun, Huitzilopochtli she beat her sister, associated with the Moon, to give way to dawn.
In fact, in the Mexican archaeological site, called Monte Alban Alban, the ball game Maya, was carried out at the level of the surface of the sports field. Well, the players touched the ball, using parts of the human body, specifically the hips, elbows and knees, in order to move the ball from one side to another.
For this, the walls were placed tilted to the sides of the court and were covered with a thick mixture of lime, in order to create a surface that could return the ball to the playing area. One of the curious aspects of these places is that most of the time, the courts were located at a lower level than the rest of the cities, because that represented the underworld.
However, another of the versions related to the way the ball game was played Maya, is that the players hit the ball, using only the hips, elbows and knees on the right side of their body. While it is also said that it was played using the forearms, rackets and hand stones, called mitts.
With a ball made of rubber material and with a maximum weight of 4 kilograms. However, the weight of the ball constantly varied over time and depending on the version how it was made. As well as the number of players that were part of it varied.
Another of the characteristics related to the rituals that this game possessed was that they included human sacrifices. This culture considered as god of human sacrifices Buluc Chatan. Therefore, the purpose of the sacrifices was to grant offerings to the deities in exchange for resources for survival. Such as food, rain, healing of diseases, among other elements.
So the main methods they used to sacrifice was beheading and falling down the steps of the buildings. They could also include the removal of the heart or entrails. However, this ended when the Spanish arrived, as sacrifices were considered bestial acts.
Going back to the versions on how the ball game was also considered to be played Maya, is that this was played informally to entertain children and women. The fields of this game were common to be found in everything that covered the center of the American continent. Even to the area that today constitutes Arizona across United States.
Where all the courts had in common that they were long narrow courts with side walls where the ball bounced. Regarding their dimensions, some had different sizes.
Origin of the ball game Maya
The way in which this game began is unknown, however it is believed that it was at the beginning of the year 1.400 BC in the tropical areas of Mesoamerica. Especially where the rubber trees grew.
However, in the coastal lowlands located in the Pacific Ocean, in the area of the region soconusco, from the state of Chiapas, was found in archaeological investigations, the oldest field where this game could have originated, in the Army Pass.
Another place that is considered as the area where this game originated, is the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Located on the coast of Gulf of Mexico in the areas of culture olmeca, which had its peak in the preclassic period of this culture. Therefore, in the Postclassic period, the Mexica, called their contemporaries who lived in that region as the olmec. This meant the rubber people, since the entire area was related to the production of latex.
In addition to this, the rubber balls, which have been considered the oldest, originated in the sacrificial swamp in The Manatee, located in the state of Veracruz en Mexico. Which is associated with the early Olmec civilization of the internal area of the basin of the coatzacoalcos river.
Place where approximately twelve balls were recovered, which had a diameter of 10 to 22 centimeters. These were found by villagers and archaeologists. Where five of those balls are considered to belong to the years 1700-1600 BC These balls made with rubber, were located next to offerings that were part of rituals and were buried in that basin. Therefore, it is considered that on that date the Mayan ball game was established for religious and ritual purposes.
Among the findings made by the inhabitants of that locality, was a kind of stone yoke, which was related to this sporting activity. Considering even more the option that the rubber balls were part of this game for ritual purposes and not as an offering.
Another of the places, where elements related to the origin of the ball game were found Maya, it is in the excavations of the site olmec, located very close to the archaeological area of San Lorenzo en Mexico. which encompasses San Lorenzo, Tenochtitlan y New Paddock. On this site, various figures of players of this sporting activity were located. Which when going through a series of studies, it was concluded that they belong to the period of the years 1250 or 1150 BC
In addition to this, a court was also located where this game was played, which originated in the years 600 or 400 BC Also, there are those who consider that the origin of this game developed in the tropical lowlands of the central area of Mexico. Approximately in the year 1000 BC where figures of players were included in the burials made in the civilization of tlatilco and in the area of tlapacoya.
In fact, it is considered that during that time, the figures of these players were made in the style of the Mexican town of Xochipala. However, in none of these areas were ball game courts located. Maya. It is considered that at that time, this was done on temporary tracks.
There are also studies that describe that approximately in the year 300 BC, this game existed in various areas of Mesoamerica. Highlighting the playing fields in the central valley Of the state of Chiapas, site where the oldest fields were located, followed by those of Army Pass y Oaxaca Valley.
The ball game Maya, is so important for this civilization, that it is represented in many of its artistic works, especially in ceramics. Learn more about the Destinations Maya.
Main aspects
Due to the extensive amount of time this game was in development, it went through a number of changes to many of its major aspects. However, it is considered that the main way of playing it is the one referring to the ball-hip version. Therefore, according to many investigations, this is the only way in which that masonry ball game was practiced.
Although there are also various archaeological finds, where it is represented that this game was played by hitting the ball with a stick made of wood, rackets, sticks, mittens and even the player's forearm. This can be seen especially in the mural of Teotihuacán.
Likewise, it is considered that each of the types of games each had its own size of ball, equipment adapted to the game, its own rules and fields. Where there were two teams of players in each game, each of them made up of 2 to 4 people.
In addition to this, there were matches that had only a recreational purpose, so they were held on makeshift tracks. But games that were considered a formal spectacle were also played on large stone playing fields, which could end in human sacrifice.
In fact, although the Mayan ball game did not include human sacrifice, it was very rough, because the ball had an excessive but and was very thick. Which caused many injuries to the players. According to chronicles referring to that civilization, the blows received by the players were so strong that they required an open cut where they were hurt.
The chronicles also describe that even many players could die because the ball hit them hard in the mouth, stomach and intestines. It should be noted that currently the players of liaison have lasting bruises.
Rules
As mentioned above, the rules of the ball game are not known in detail. Maya. However, currently the ulama, It has a certain similarity to volleyball, since each team is located on one side of the court, with the difference that a net is not used.
In addition to this, in the liaison, so that the ball can be mobilized, it must be hit by the hip, until one of the teams cannot return the ball or it goes out of the track.
The evolution of this game was due to the fact that in the post-classical period, stone rings began to be placed, located vertically on each side of the court. Having as purpose that the ball entered one of them. Therefore, this modality of the game expanded in the culture toltec y Aztec.
In the XNUMXth century, the game was based on players deducting points when the ball bounced more than twice before returning to the opposing team. As well as if it went out of the limits of the court or if the attempt was made to pass the ball through one of the stone rings and it did not cross the hoop.
Likewise, it was considered that points were obtained at the moment in which the ball touches the wall where the opposing group was located. The team that passed the ball through the circle was considered the winner. Although crossing the ball through the circle was not so easy, since in many courts they were located six meters from the court. So most of the games played won, by the points collected.
Clothing
The clothes that were used for the ball game Maya, is represented mainly in works of art related to this civilization. This is because today most of the clothing and game equipment no longer exist.
However, in the various murals, paintings and figures it can be seen that they used gloves and headdresses. In fact, the only thing that can be seen today, related to this game, are the stone rings, located on the courts of the main cities. Maya.
So the clothing worn by these players is seen in the various works of art, differently, depending on the regions where the game took place. Such is the case of the reliefs found in the Mexican area of Dainzu, where you can see that the players used capes, gloves and masks. But in other artistic manifestations, such as murals Teotihuacans, players are depicted wearing skirts, while playing with rubber balls and sticks.
In the case of playing the ball-hip version, the player had to use, at least, a loincloth, which was complemented by hip protectors made of leather. These elements are evidenced in the artistic representations that represent the first players of Tlatilco, Tlapacoya and Olmec culture.
In fact, currently the players of liaison they continue to wear loincloths and hip protectors. Other cultures, who practiced the ball game Maya, they integrated a voluminous belt into their clothing. Made with wicker or wood, surrounded by fabric or leather. In order to protect the player much more.
However, none of these belts exist today. While the yoke stones, named that way by archaeologists due to their similarity to the yoke for animals, were recovered in some of these places where the important finds of this civilization have been made. Which is because they weighed a lot and were only used for rituals that were performed before or at the end of the match.
The use of the belt, apart from protecting the player much more, also supported the throwing of the ball, so that it could be thrown with much more force than could be obtained using only the hip. Another of the clothing elements used by these players were the chest protectors. Which received the name of palm, these were placed in the yoke.
It can also be evidenced in different representations of the ball game Maya, the use of knee pads. In fact the current players of liaison, they are placed on the forearm. Apparently at that time, the players also used a kind of garter, placed below the knee or ankle, although its purpose is not known.
Pelotas
It was made with compact rubber. Which went through a rubber vulcanization process, where half was sap from the rubber tree or rubber from Elastic Castile and the other half came from grinding the vine ipomoea soul, Also known as girl. So the union of both gave the ball an adequate consistency.
Although it is unknown, what is the specific size and weight of the ball. Some balls were found that belonged to this civilization. However, it is considered that these were created as offerings, since they were located in swamps or springs where sacrifices were made. So according to some descriptions, the balls found were perhaps votive offerings, left in sacred places for ritual reasons.
However, according to the results of scientific and archaeological studies, the rubber balls used by the players of the ball-hip version were made using rubber or Who y guamol resin o girl. It is also believed that its size was approximately between 25 and 30 centimeters. So it may have weighed between 1,4 to 2,7 kilograms.
While the ball that was used for the ball-hand or ball-stick version, it may have been larger and heavier than one of the current baseballs. The size of the ball can also be evidenced in paintings or reliefs. Where balls that may have measured a meter or more are observed. Although some consider those artistic representations to be highly exaggerated.
In fact, there are expert scholars of civilization Maya, which according to their investigations, consider that the ball used for this game, perhaps measured between 60 to more than 90 centimeters.
courts
To play this game, courts made of masonry were used. So there were walls around and they had a particular shape that was maintained for many years. At present, it is known that in the last 20 years, more than 1300 courts or fields of this sporting activity, located throughout Mesoamerica.
In terms of size, many were of different sizes, but the shape was the same for all courts, long and tight surrounded by horizontal and sloping walls. Few were vertical. Often the wall was covered in plaster and painted in bright colors.
The first fields of play were open on both sides, while those that were manufactured later had the final area of the track closed, so they had a different structure.
Although length and width were often 4 to 1, some courts varied in size. For example, the field located at Chichén Itzá, is considered the largest compared to all other cities. Well, this one measures 96,5 meters long and 30 meters wide. However, the one located in the Plaza de Ceremonias in the city of TikalIt measures 16 meters long by 5 meters wide.
Most of these playing fields remained for many years, so they were used by several generations. One of the Mexican areas that had 18 fields was The Tajin. Meanwhile in cantone, belonging to Puebla, had 24 playing fields.
However, there were areas where there were very few fields. One of these was the northern area of Chiapas. In fact, there are cities Maya important places where these fields are not known to have been, such as Bonampak y Tortuguero. Despite the fact that there are paintings where it is reflected that this sporting activity was carried out in these places.
In addition to this, these places were used as public places and cultural events of a high society were held there. Just as they were used to perform rituals, ceremonies, festivals, musical performances and the ball game. Maya. Many of these cultural manifestations or activities carried out in these fields are reflected in artistic representations of the Mayan civilization. Well, in some you can see musicians who play in these sports areas.
Likewise, it is evident in them that the votive offerings were buried in the main court of Tenochtitlanwhich they considered sacred. These were made up of small whistles, a tiny wind instrument known as Ocarina and various drums. Also a ceramic from the time of this civilization, represents a wrestling match held in one of the fields located in the west of Mexico.
Today you can see many of these fields, when visiting the cities of Tikal, Copan, Monte Alban, Chichen Itza, Xochicalco, among other. Also learn about the Symbols Maya.
Culture
As mentioned above the ball game Maya, went far beyond being just a sporting activity. Well, this could have different purposes depending on the city where it was carried out. However, it is one of the main elements of this Mesoamerican civilization.
So it was an essential ritual of their culture. According to many accounts, such as that of the Spanish historian Friar Juan de Torquemada, the Aztec ruler axayacatl participated in a game in which he competed with xihuitlemoc, the chief of the Mexican area of Xochimilco. Where he wagered his income each year against one of the ancient methods of agriculture and territorial expansion known as Chinapa of Xochilmico.
Similarly, the Mexican historian ixtilxochitl, describes in his writings on this subject, that the Toltec ruler, Topiltzin, played this sporting activity having three players as opponents, where the winner was going to be able to lead everyone. So with these stories, it can be considered that the ball game Maya it was also done to solve problems, thus avoiding a battle. And even with it both internal and external problems were solved, depending on the locality where they were carried out.
That is why, in various representations, the players are seen dressed in different ways. Where the way of playing could also vary depending on the region where it was played. Descriptions of wars on the courts of this game can also be seen in the artwork.
Some of these are the southeast panel of the South Ball Court en tagine. Where a main player is represented who had a warrior's clothing as clothing. Similarly, some ceramics represent the figures of prisoners of war, holding the balls. Likewise, it can be seen that the court of the Toniná pyramid was adorned with structures of tied prisoners. In fact, the liaison it was assimilated with war until recently.
human sacrifice
The relationship between this sports activity with human sacrifices was evidenced in archaeological investigations, after the classic period. Especially in the cultures belonging to the area of Veracruz. Well, there you can see the most specific representations of human sacrifices on the boards of this game. Among the most outstanding are those carried out in the Tajin, Chichén Itzá and in the area of Aparicio en Veracruz.
In fact, in the already mentioned literary work of the Popol Vuh, considered the book with the greatest notoriety of American antiquity. Others also consider it as the strangest relic of aboriginal thought of the The new World. According to the investigations carried out by the archaeologist Miguel Rivera Gold, in chapter XXI of this book, the customs of opening people's chest and side to remove their hearts are recounted, that is, a human sacrifice is described.
For in the practices carried out by this civilization, in Mesoamerica, the procedure was based on opening the chest by hitting hard with a flint knife, in the left area, specifically between the ribs. Entering the hand to remove the heart and display it while it was still beating. Later it was stored in a stone tray and burned.
Another way in which human sacrifices were made in that culture, apart from cardiotomy, was beheading. Everything depended on the ritual that was carried out, as well as regarding wars, the terror demanded of opponents and the domination, at times, of the inhabitants.
Also in this culture, they made blood offerings. Which are described in chapter XXII of the Popol Vuh, where the satisfaction felt by the sacrificers with thorns and flint is described. To perform this Mayan ritual, legs, arms, ears, tongues, and intimate areas were cut or pierced. Which was executed with stingray spines and with flint or obsidian lancets.
Later, the blood was collected in containers that had pieces of tree bark. Once it was well soaked and dry, it was burned so that the smoke would guide the offering to the deities. Therefore, in this way, men gave their blood, considered as the substance of life, to the cosmos, in order to make a kind of mixture between people and the supernatural forces of the cosmos.
Therefore, these human sacrifices were represented in various works of art of civilization. Where prisoners were observed being sacrificed after losing a game. However, in cities like Tajin y Cichen Itza, these sacrifices were made to the players and even to the leader of the winning team.
Similarly, in this sporting activity, beheading was performed. Due to the fact that severed heads are observed in many artistic representations, as well as the facts of these acts, constantly in the Popol Vuh. Even in the Aztec interpretation of the ball game Maya, the heads of the members of the defeated group, were placed on an altar, called tzompantli. Located next to the court. So the blood of these people was offered as food for the gods. There are also those who considered that the heads were used as balls.
Symbolism
Although there is little information regarding the symbolic nature of the ball game Maya, some researchers and archaeologists have associated it with elements of astronomy, battles, the fertile and the cosmos. Very important components for this Mesoamerican culture.
With regard to astronomy, it was considered that the ball when jumping meant the king star, that is, the Sun. Also, according to some investigations, it is described that the stone goals meant the sunrise, the sunset and the equinoxes. Another of the symbolic elements associated with this game is related to war. Where the ball was considered as the defeated enemy. Described in the Popol Vuh through with regard to K'iche' kingdom, as well as in that of Yaxchilcan.
In the formative period, this game is similar to fertility, since there were representations where figures of women dressed with symbols of corn were observed. Also in El Tajin, it was considered that when a player was sacrificed, it meant the restoration of the fermented drink of Mexican origin, known as pulque. Made with plant Agave o Maguey.
One of the great symbolic representations associated with this game is related to the battle between day and night. As well as the combat between life and the underworld. This is because the courts were considered as entrances to the underworld and are made in fixed places in the main ceremonial spaces.
So join the ball game Maya, meant coverage in the conservation of the cosmic order of the universe and the ceremonial renewal of life. That is why the symbology is associated according to each element of this activity, where it continues to be one of the most relevant aspects of this civilization. Learn more about the mythological characters.
Mythology
As mentioned before, in this game, it is evident in many aspects of this culture and especially in mythological beliefs. Well, this civilization integrated a series of deities that were part of the creation of the origin of humanity for them and of various important stories for the development of this culture.
nahua
According to Legend of the Suns, prominent representation of the Nahua, the Toltec ruler named humac, practiced this game having as opponent the rain gods, called Tláloc. Which he faced with very beautiful stones and feathers of quetzal. The Toltec ruler was the winner of the match. To which the rain gods gave him ears and leaves of corn.
He did not agree, because the agreement had been the beautiful stones and the feathers of quetzal. What caused the Toltecs to go through a period of drought for four years. This match thus signifies the beginning of the culmination of their reign.
the mayan twins
The mythology of this civilization more related to this ball game, is mainly associated with the already mentioned literary work of the Popol Vuh. It is described through the twins Hunahpu e Ixbalanque, the symbology of the game with war and fertility.
Which begins with the story of the father of the twins, the God of fertility and the ball game Maya, Hun Hunahpu and their uncle, Vucub-Hunahpú. Those who played this game having as opponents hunbatz y hun chouen. On a court near the underworld of Xibalba. Which caused the lords of the underworld to get angry, because of the noise. So these invited the twins to go down to the underworld and have a party. Which was carried out culminating with the torture and sacrifice of them.
The twins were later buried in an area where a gourd tree, also known as a gourd tree, grew. Bearing as fruits heads, among which was that of Hun Hunahp. As time passed, that head spat into the hands of Ixquic, daughter of one of the lords of Xibalba, who walked near tree and becomes pregnant. Giving birth to the heroic twins Hunahpu e Ixbalanque
Hunahpu e Ixbalanque, They locate the ball game equipment in their father's house and begin to practice the game as well. So they decide to face the lords of the underworld, making noise while playing in the same field where their father had been years ago. hun hunahp and his uncle Vucub-Hunahpú. Generating that the most important lords of XibalbaThey sent owls to get the attention of the brothers Hunahpu e Ixbalanque to the game played on the western edge of the underworld, surrounded by trials and dangers.
Which causes that Hunahpu be decapitated by bats. So that Ixbalanque he uses a pumpkin to replace his brother's head until his head is retrieved. So the gentlemen of Xibalba they were using it as a ball. The brothers manage to defeat the lords of Xibalba, but that did not cause them to resurrect their father, so they leave him buried in the soccer field. Xibalba. However, they became heroes.
In addition to this, the heroes Hunahpu e Ixbalanque, they had two older brothers humbatz y Hunchouen, who envied them even wishing death to the twins and mistreating them whenever they could. This led to them punishing them by turning them into monkeys.
Civilizations of Mesoamerica
Many of the civilizations belonging to Mesoamerica They practiced the Mayan ball game. However, the size of the field varied in some of them, as well as other representative elements of this game.
Civilization Maya
The aforementioned Quiche myth of the heroic twins Hunahpu e Ixbalanque, links the game with death and the overcoming of death. So the place where this game is played, that is, the field, stops to become a place of change, a limit phase between life and death. Learn more about origin of the universe according to Maya.
Being the markers located in the line of the central area of the court, those that symbolize ritual and mythological scenes of this game. Some surrounded by a quatrefoil indicating the portal to the other world.
However, the heroic twins Hunahpu e Ixbalanque, are not represented in the classic ball game. Except, on the court in the area of Copan, if a representation of the character of the Popol Vuh, Called Vucub Caquix, holding the cut arm of Hunahpu.
civilization of Teotihuacán
Teotihuacán is one of the main pre-Hispanic cities, belonging to Mesoamerica. However, there is no evidence of the presence of any ball game field. Maya. The same thing happens in Matacapan or the city of Tikal, which is also one of the most important locations of this civilization.
However, in Teotihuacán everything related to this game was known. So many of the murals in the complex of Tepatitlan in this locality, they have representations that describe scenes of some types of ball game Maya. In one of them, a match with two players in an open field is observed. Another represents a match made up of two teams using sticks, also in an open field, where the culmination of the areas is marked by monuments made of stone. Likewise, games with individual players are also observed in these representations.
In fact, some investigations describe that the ball-stick version of the game possibly replaced the ball-hip version in the town of Teotihuacán. As well as in the cities that were under his rule. So perhaps the ball-hip version could have reappeared after the fall of Teotihuacan.
Mexican civilization
The Mexican interpretation of this game is called ullamalitzli. Which owes its origin to the combination of the word olli, meaning rubber and to the verb potlama, which comes from the meaning play ball. While the ball was called potmaloniya the court where the game was played, received the name of tlachtli.
While in the capital of Tenochtitlan, the most extensive game was called Teotlachco, what did it mean on the sacred playing field. Place where various ceremonies were carried out in the context of the monthly festivities panquetzalitzli.
In which was also the sacrifice of the four prisoners of war, in homage to the God Huitzilopochtli and his messenger and double Paynal. who took on the qualities of Huitzilopochtli, at official functions, when he was held in the underworld or at the time of being at war.
Another symbolization of the Mexica, related to this game, was the religious. So the Kiche Mayans In the XNUMXth century, they viewed the game as a struggle between the lords of the underworld and their opponents on earth.
While the Aztecs gave it the meaning of a fight between the forces of the night, led by the Moon and the stars. Symbolized by the goddess coyolxauhqui and their descendants, the Centzon Huitznahuac. So the Sun was represented by Huitzilopochtli.
For the Aztecs the ball game maya, it meant a very prominent ceremony of rituals and mythology. As well as a sport and entertainment for recreation. However, this game in the Aztec civilization was an attribution of the nobles.
This game was learned by the young Mexica in the schools of the educational system calmecac. Where the most outstanding had the possibility of playing it professionally. It was very common for several games to be played in the various places in the cities, while extensive bets were made. In fact, the Spanish Dominican historian, Friar Diego Duran, commented in one of his stories, that the Mexicas sold their descendants in order to make bets, coming to bet themselves, becoming slaves.
Regarding the elaboration of the balls, due to the fact that the Elastic castile o rubber tree, was not developed in the highlands of the Mexica empire, frequent me they were given balls made of rubber. Which were a gift from the low areas where they were planted.
So, the Registration of the Tributes, also known as Codex Mendocino, described a total of 16.000 pieces of raw rubber shipped every six months to Tenochtitlan, from the southern areas. However, they were not only used for making balls.
In the year 1528, after the occupation of the Spanish in Mexico, the marquis Hernan Cortes de Monroy, caused a meeting of potmanime o baseball players they went to Spanish lands to make an example of the game to Carlos V. Being at that time embodied as illustrations by the Christoph Weiditz, from Germany, . The Europeans were thus captivated, due to the rubber balls that could bounce.
coast of the Pacific
In the coastal areas of the Pacific of the countries of Guatemala y El Salvador, as well as at nuclear sites of Bilbao y The trunk, Located in Cotzumalhuapa, courts of this game were found. As well as monuments that had representations of this game and what made it up.
Other places where these findings were made were in the areas of the lucky periphery of the zone of Mesoamerica, in which the Salvadoran municipality of quelepa. Learn more about the legends of Michoacán.
Caribbean Sea
In some islands of the Antilles, as well as in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands, the ball game called batos. In fact, it was practiced in the sovereign country of Cubauntil about the XNUMXth century.
So that bats, can be considered as a successor to the ball game Maya, expanded to Caribbean Sea, due to the practice carried out by this civilization.
The ball game Maya nowadays
Because this game is an important part of the culture of the Mixtecs, since pre-Hispanic years, this region is classified into three areas. The low, the high mountains and the coast. Although currently the Mixtec groups residing in Oaxaca, Guerrero y Puebla, relate to those who have moved to Valle de Mexico, Veracruz, Sinaloa and some places farther from the Mexican border.
One of the ways in which this game was maintained was due to oral tradition. Well, the game is currently being played in three places: indigenous, rural and urban. Where both young and old can play.
At present this can be practiced in three ways, that of Mixtec Rubber Ball, and Mixtec Lining Ball y Mixtec Valley Ball. In fact, currently the game has evolved much more with the version Nahua Ullamaztli and the Poxtapok Mayan.
Likewise, there are groups that play it in the central areas, as well as in the south and southeast of Mexico. It is also practiced in countries of Central America, among which stands out Belize y Guatemala. So there are even local championships, such as the Peninsula Cupry the first National Mesoamerican Pelota Championship. If you liked the information in this article, you might also want to know about myths of Bolivia.