Description
The Mesoamerican ballgame was part of a ceremonial complex that included dance, music, and drama, and often was associated with warfare and solemn rites of cosmic renewal. Its ceremonial components-from parades to ritual dance performances to sacrificial rites-constituted a potent collective activity that reinforced social cohesion. Given the importance of these ceremonies, it is not surprising that Mesoamerican art is filled with portrayals of ballplayers as performers. Whether the Tuxcacuesco-Ortices style figurine depicts a ballplayer is uncertain, although the wide belt is characteristic of such portrayals.
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