A ballgame similar to soccer was important in Pre-Columbian cultures of ancient Mexico and neighboring areas. Large playing fields have been discovered in ceremonial centers. The winner was predetermined: Rulers emerged victorious, and the captive enemies lost both the game and their lives as an offering to the gods.

Depictions of ballgames appear on painted ceramics and architectural stele, or carved monuments. Players and objects related to the ballgame were carved from stone and molded in clay. Life-size ceramic ballplayers like this one are extremely rare. He sits cross-legged with his hands resting on his knees, arms fully extended, and wearing what would have been a leather helmet secured by a band and strap. Heavy fringe to deflect bright sunlight extends over the helmet’s rim. His ears are pierced for ornaments, probably of perishable material. The ballplayer wears large, elaborate wrist bands, possibly for protection, and a protective yoke around his waist.

The entire figure is exceptional for its elegance with smooth skin, almond eyes, high cheekbones, and full mouth. The limbs are graceful with elongated fingers and toes and deeply incised nails. When painted, this ballplayer must have been astonishingly realistic. Traces of paint remain.