The Ball Court (Mayan Pelota)'s by frenchfrog

Monte Alban - Mexico, Oaxaca The Ball Court is in the shape of an I , dimensions varied depending the size of the city. There are 2 stone rings set vertically contrary to horizontally like a basket ball hoop on the top of two parrallel walls with runs the Ball Court lenght. Players had to pass a ball through the rings to score points. There was two teams of seven players each. Players were only allowed to use their hips, elbows or knees but never their hands or feets. The ball was made from the sap of local trees and were like rubber. The games did not have a sporting purpose, they were rituals associated with the workship of the Sun. Spectators were only priests and nobles. Its said that at the end of each games the captain of one of the team was sacrified. I have heard different versions, some said it was the winning team, some said it was the looser!

Uploaded: Oct, 13 2009 | Taken: Apr, 03 2009| Viewed: 28 times  | 2 votes Camera: NIKON CORPORATION | Model: NIKON D40X | Exposure 10/2500s, ISO 100 | FLength: 18mm | SW: Picasa 3.0

pesu - Oct, 13 2009 07:10am Great information, Isabelle, thanks!