Chichén Itzá

Title

Chichén Itzá

Publisher

Lawrence Technological University

Date Created

February 7, 2018

Alternative Title or Name

Ball Court

Creator2

Aluzzo, Adrienne (photographer)

Work Type

Single Built Works

Date

c. 1000

Work Location

Mexico (nation)

Chichén Itzá (deserted settlement)

Style/Period

Late Classic

Subject

walls
ball courts (Mesoamerican)

Description

Detail view of wall along one side of the Ball Court at Chichen Itza, Mexico. "The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza, measuring 146 m x 36 m, is the largest in Mesoamerica. It was constructed between 1050 and 1200 CE and is also unusual in that the sides of the court are vertical and not sloped as in most other courts. Temple platforms close off each end of the court. The lower parts of the walls and the ring on each wall are decorated with carvings of snakes. The dimensions of the court are so grand that it is difficult to envisage actual games being played here. The rings, for example, through which players had to direct the solid rubber ball, are placed at a height of 8 m. The relief carvings on the walls of the court remind us of the ritual function of ball games; for example, there is a gruesome scene of two seven-man teams facing each other and one team captain decapitating the losing captain of the opposition. It is a scene repeated on all six relief panels along the two benches of the ballcourt,"--Ancient History Encyclopedia.

Material/Medium

stone (worked rock)
limestone

Reproduction Type

jpeg

ID Number

2017MX-127

Files

2017MX-127.JPG
Date Added
January 17, 2018
Collection
LTU Digital Images
Item Type
VRA Core
Tags
, , ,
Citation
“Chichén Itzá,” LTU Digital Images, accessed March 29, 2024, https://ltuimagecollection.omeka.net/items/show/17514.