Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Ancestral roots
In the depths of Mesoamerican times, a sporting ritual that was believed to connect players to the gods was created—Juego de Pelota Mesoamericano (Mesoamerican Ballgame).
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The court
The ancient ball courts, with their painted walls and hoop, were not only places of sport, but also temples of encounter between the terrestrial and the divine.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Language of the game
Among the Nahua, the court was called a tlachco. The game was called tlachtli or ulamaliztli. It is believed that the court of each city usually took the shape of an "I."
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Symbols of the game
The rings, or tlachtemalácatl, were usually decorated with reliefs or painted with symbols associated with war and the stars.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Spiritual meaning
More than just a game, it is believed to have represented the struggle between life and death, day and night, recreating the eternal battle between the gods.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Juego de pelota today
Juego de pelota is still practiced to this day, not just as a sport but as an act of connection with a cultural legacy and heritage.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Rules of the game
The game has two teams of five players, each playing on their own side. The aim is to hit the ball with one's hips until the other team is unable to return it.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Ulama or Juego de Pelota
The ball of Ulama or Juego de Pelota is believed to represent the sun. The ball is made from natural rubber extracted from the castilla tree and can weigh up to 9 lb.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cultural legacy
Juego de Pelota is an echo of ancient cities and world views, a thread that links the present and future with a past full of learnings.
Ball Game (2023-09-28) by Alejandro Antonio Rodríguez TorresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
