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Ballgame Thin Stone Head (Hacha)

600-900

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

In contrast to other ballgame sculptures on display, it seems unlikely that thin stone heads, known as hachas, are renditions of actual ballgame gear. Their use remains unclear, but the notch at the back of most examples suggests they might have served as architectural ornaments during play or game ceremonies. Also, in a few artistic depictions of game ceremonials, such heads rest upon U-shaped hip protectors, like one nearby.

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  • Title: Ballgame Thin Stone Head (Hacha)
  • Date Created: 600-900
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 23.7 x 6.9 x 15.8 cm (9 5/16 x 2 11/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
  • Provenance: (Stendahl Art Galleries, Los Angeles, CA, 1965, sold to James C. and Florence C. Gruener), James C. [1903-1990] and Florence C. [1908-1982] Gruener, Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Type: Sculpture
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1990.248
  • Medium: stone, pigment traces
  • Department: Art of the Americas
  • Culture: Mexico, Gulf Coast, Classic Veracruz style (600-1100)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener
  • Collection: AA - Mesoamerica
  • Accession Number: 1990.248
The Cleveland Museum of Art

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