Hacha

ClassificationsTools and Equipment-sporting equipment

Date550-900 CE

Made AtVeracruz, Mexico, Central America, North America

MediumStone

Dimensions8 3/4 × 5 1/4 × 5 3/8 in. (22.2 × 13.3 × 13.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. Melvin Silverman

Object number82.47.1

DescriptionThis object is a hacha, a type of sculpture associated with the ballgame in ancient Mesoamerica. Named after the Spanish term for “axe,” hachas are representations of gear worn in the ballgame.This hacha is in the shape of a head. The artist has used deep, but sparingly few sculptural lines, nonetheless achieving a dramatic effect. The top of the head is dome shaped with a sharp central ridge. The delineation between the headgear and the forehead is sharp. The eyes are `semi-ovoid' and deep; the nose ridge and nostrils distinct. The mouth is open but devoid of teeth.

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