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Public Domain

Veracruz

Head for Ballgame (Hacha)

Veracruz, 600

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Veracruz

Head for Ballgame (Hacha)

Veracruz, 600

Physical Qualities Stone, 8 × 4 1/8 × 6 15/16 in. (20.3 × 10.5 × 17.7 cm.)
Credit Line Gift of J. Paul and Patricia Neeld Phillips, Rockville, Maryland
Object Number 1985.289
Complementing the ball player's ceremonial regalia, the hacha, a heavy narrow blade, was attached to the yoke. Hachas are commonly carved to form profile views of birds and reptiles associated with the underworld such as the serpent, macaw, and monkey. Human heads are also featured.

Explore the Collection Further

Veracruz
Head for Ballgame (Hacha)
601–900
Henri Matisse and Henri Matisse, Presentation Maquette, Poésies de Stéphane Mallarmé
Study for headpiece from "Le Guignon" (refused etching)
20th century
Henri Matisse and Henri Matisse, Presentation Maquette, Poésies de Stéphane Mallarmé
Study for headpiece from "Le Faune" refused etching)
20th century
Veracruz
Palma
601–900
Theodore Russell Davis and Haviland & Co.
"Sheep's Head" Fish Plate
1878–1879
Veracruz
Hacha in the shape of an anthropomorphic head
800–1199