The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 19, 2024

Ballgame Thin Stone Head (Hacha)

Ballgame Thin Stone Head (Hacha)

600–900
Overall: 23.7 x 6.9 x 15.8 cm (9 5/16 x 2 11/16 x 6 1/4 in.)

Description

In contrast to other ballgame sculptures on display, it seems unlikely that thin stone heads, known as hachas, are renditions of actual ballgame gear. Their use remains unclear, but the notch at the back of most examples suggests they might have served as architectural ornaments during play or game ceremonies. Also, in a few artistic depictions of game ceremonials, such heads rest upon U-shaped hip protectors, like one nearby.
  • ?-1965
    (Stendahl Art Galleries, Los Angeles, CA, 1965, sold to James C. and Florence C. Gruener)
    1965-1990
    James C. [1903-1990] and Florence C. [1908-1982] Gruener, Cleveland, OH, bequest to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    1990
    The Cleveland Museum of Art
  • The Gruener Collection of Pre-Columbian Art. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 4-November 29, 1992).
    Cleveland, OH: The Cleveland Museum of Art; February 4 - November 29, 1992. "The Gruener Collection of Pre-Columbian Art." The Bulletin of The Cleveland Museum of Art. 79 (September, 1992.) cat. no. 59, p. 270, repr. fig. 59, p. 252.
  • {{cite web|title=Ballgame Thin Stone Head (Hacha)|url=false|author=|year=600–900|access-date=19 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1990.248