Cleveland Museum of Art

Ballgame Palma

Date

c. 900–1100

Medium

stone, pigment traces

Culture

Mexico, Gulf Coast, Classic Veracruz style (600-1100)

Department

Art of the Americas

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

In art, ballplayers are shown wearing palmas atop hip protectors like one displayed nearby. The palma covers the chest, as if to insulate it from bruising encounters with the rubber ball. The stone sculptures are too heavy for wear but may mimic the shape of lighter-weight gear used during play. This elegant, fan-shaped palma is adorned with scrolls that form grotesque heads in profile. Traces of blue indicate that like many ancient sculptures it was brightly painted.

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