Although each time a little more is known about the maya, yet it is a civilization that continues to arouse intrigue and mystery. The huge buildings that left us as a legacy throughout Mexico speak of his greatness and his style of life but at the same time are also signs of the past, of societies that came before us.
In addition to the architectural legacy, another way to remove the veil to this culture is through the customs and traditions they had, which are possessing a great wealth and a huge symbolic meaning. Through them, performed their rituals, expressing their status, worshipped their deities as well as thanking you for blessings received. Of multiple functions, practices maya were numerous and among the most well-known is the so-called Ball Game: get to know the history behind this famous mayan tradition!
According to the research, it was a sport that had connotations of ritual and represented the struggle of the opposing elements: light and darkness. In addition, it is also stated that the players assumed the role of divinities. That’s why, it is said that it was a game that not only had recreational purposes but also a solemn character. Even thought that it was also used to resolve disputes and avoid having to get to the war.
The aim was to keep the ball all the time in movement and to avoid that it fell to the floor, as it represented the sun, and if this falling out was a sign of bad omen. The teams were staffed by 5 people each one according to most versions, although there is also evidence that there were duels between couples.
However, the clash had a certain difficulty as the ball, also known as ?pok ta pok?, it is made with rubber and it was heavy for the participants, who also could not touch it with your hands. In this way, it is to imagine the profile of the participant: had to have great physical prowess and to be resilient. In addition, by this same the game ended at the score the first goal, which happened once the ball passed the hoop.
The players wore protection on their hips, forearms, legs and knees to avoid that will hurt; this dress is known by the name of ?maxtle?. There are, however, recorded where evidence of fractures to various of the participants. In addition, numerous versions argue that at the end of the game, the life of the captain of the losing team was sacrificed.
The spectators were located on the platforms around the field of play and the audience was formed mainly by priests and rulers, that they looked comfortable from there the development of the game.
Representations of this game can be seen in the different mayan ruins of Mexico, but one of the most well-known is located in Chichen Itza. The playing field of this famous archaeological site presents a T-shape, accompanied by lateral walls of larger size and with stairs on the outside where it could be accessed by the public. It is one of the most striking of the mayan world, for it is always interesting to travel to these places and become a spectator of the past.
Visit Chichen Itza and get to know the history of this game, maya!
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