Palma
600-900
Precolumbian
9 11/16 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/16 in. (24.6 x 13.3 x 12.8 cm)
Unknown, Veracruz
Mexican
Object Type:
Stonework
Medium and Support:
Stone
Credit Line:
Gift of Susan and Bernard Schilling
Accession Number:
1993.25
Location: Currently on view
Palmas are pieces of equipment associated with the Mesoamerican ballgame. They have been named by modern-day archaeologists for their palm frond shape. Palmas worn during the game would have been made of materials lighter than the heavy stone of this ceremonial version. They were inserted into a ballplayer’s yoke (protective belt) and projected up the chest to protect vital organs from the fast-moving, hard rubber ball.
[Gallery label text, 2009]