The Purépecha Ball Game
A look at an ancient practice and the people keeping the flame of tradition alive in their culture
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Living culture
The Purépechas, native to the highlands of Michoacán, are the custodians of this tradition to this day, making it a fundamental part of their culture, heritage, and Mexico's present and future.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A millennia-old tradition more alive than ever
In this sport, the mythical and symbolic merge with a social and recreational activity to create a magical connection.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Purépecha history
Pelota purépecha (the Purépecha ball game) is one of the earliest games represented in artifacts, such as the offerings from Opeño in Michoacán dated between 1500 and 200 BC. Another example is seen in a mural at the Palace of Tepantitla in Teotihuacán.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Uárhukua
Unlike the ball game played with hands or hips, the Purépecha variant is played with a wooden stick, giving it its name: Uárhukua, which means 'stick' in the Purépecha language.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Zapándukua
This sport would not be complete without the zapánduka. This game ball, formerly made from native materials and sometimes set ablaze, is not just a ball but a symbol of the rich Purépecha culture and its connection to the earth and cosmos.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Cosmic spectacle
Uárhukua goes beyond being just a game, as it bears deep and magical symbolism. It is believed to have been created to commemorate the birth of the sun and bring balance to the cosmos and the land of the gods.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Magic in motion
Setting the zapándukua on fire symbolizes the sun's journey across the sky, and each hit among players depicts the movement of celestial bodies, narrating the eternal conflict between good and evil, light and darkness.
Honoring the past
Uárhukua showcases the Purépecha culture's connection to the mystique of nature and pre-Hispanic deities. Playing it honors the ancestors while keeping cultural heritage alive.
Memories shared aloud
Our ancestors' traditions live on in the memories of our elders through myths, legends, and teachings. The flame of remembrance burns intensely with ancestral wisdom, and it is through their words that a new future is illuminated for our culture.
Curious origins
It is believed that Uárhukua was initially played from one community to another, with the ball placed midway between villages, and won by those who managed to push it to the other side. Elders recount that there were no time limits or player restrictions.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Living the culture
Today, the game is formally played by men, women, and children on a court about 200 meters long and eight meters wide. Two teams of five compete to get the ball to the opposite side. The game ends with the first score or Jatsíraku.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Creating community
Playing pelota purépecha has become a way for community members to showcase and share their culture. For non-Purépechas who play this game, it is a way to learn and share their cultural richness.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Honor and tradition
Although it is believed that the game was once a form of warrior training, today respect for opponents and the community are fundamental. A captain for each team and an umpire ensure sportsmanship on the court.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Returning to their roots
Some communities seek to get closer to the original tradition and play around a block, with the starting point or serve being the finish line. In any case, the streets become the playing space, fostering intergenerational community engagement.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Tradition
An indigenous sport like this goes beyond mere physical activity, allowing us to recognize and appreciate our identity as Mexicans and learn from our communities' values.
Purepecha Ball Game (2022-11-19) by Association of Indigenous and Traditional Games and Sports of the State of MichoacánMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
In the words of the elders of the tradition:
"It involves retracing our ancestors' path; getting just a little closer to the deep and beautiful knowledge of our essence; like flowers to the sun, opening up to receive light. To learn is to know; to know is to respect. He who respects, respects himself."
This story was created with information, images and support from Instituto Nacional de Lenguas Indígenas.
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