Behind the ball is a manopla, or handstone, which was used to strike the ball, 900 BCE to 250 CE, also from Kaminaljuyu. Ancient Mesoamericans were the first people to invent rubber balls (Nahuatl languages: ōllamaloni), sometime before 1600 BCE, and used them in a variety of roles.

Maya ballgame, which is a branch of the Mesoamerican ballgame, is a sporting event that was played throughout the Mesoamerican era by the Maya civilization, which was distributed throughout much of Central America.

Solid rubber balls were heavy—up to eight or nine pounds—and could cause serious injury or even death. Games were won mostly by points. Around A.D. 1200, stone circles with a hole in the middle were attached high up on the walls of the ball court, up to six meters high.

Feb 8, 2017 · Scientists today have experimented with mixing the latex and juice and found they could create a rubber that bounced well for playing a ballgame, but also others that are hard-wearing and could be made into sandals which were worn by the Mayans, as the Spanish conquistadors had described.

The Mesoamerican ballgame (Nahuatl languages: ōllamalīztli, Nahuatl pronunciation: [oːlːamaˈlistɬi], Mayan languages: pitz) was a sport with ritual associations played since at least 1650 BC [1] by the pre-Columbian people of Ancient Mesoamerica.

Jun 30, 2010 · The Aztec, Olmec, and Maya of Mesoamerica are known to have made rubber using natural latex—a milky, sap-like fluid found in some plants. Mesoamerica extends roughly from central Mexico to...

Jan 4, 2025 · Did you know that the ancient Maya civilization created rubber balls over 3,000 years ago? These balls weren't just for fun; they played a crucial role in their society. The Maya used them in a game called Pok-A-Tok, which was more than just a sport—it had religious and political significance.

Aug 10, 2022 · Archaeologists who discovered 400 urns filled with human ashes, coal, rubber, and plant roots believe Maya VIPs were turned into balls for pelota. The so-called "transformation of the body" allowed the Maya's VIPs to live on in their sacred sport.

Jan 13, 2010 · Rubber ballgame balls in Mayan sculpture. The best known use of rubber in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica was to make the balls for the diverse games. Rubber balls are used at least as early as the Olmec, as found in El Manati. Of course Mesoamerican scholars and ethnobotanists realize that the balls were not pure rubber.

The rubber ball holds a prominent place in Mesoamerican culture, illustrating the ingenuity and creativity of ancient civilizations. This article delves into the historical significance of the rubber ball, exploring its origins and the deep symbolism and rituals associated with it.