Ceremonial Ballgame Yoke Possibly 700 - 800

This Ceremonial Ballgame Yoke, likely crafted in Veracruz, Mexico between 700 and 800 AD, is a striking example of Mesoamerican art. The yoke, carved from greenstone, is shaped like a horseshoe and adorned with intricate, stylized carvings, perhaps depicting mythical figures or scenes from the ballgame. This ancient artifact, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, provides valuable insights into the rituals and beliefs of the Classic Veracruz culture. The yoke would have been worn by a player during a ceremonial ballgame, a sport central to Mesoamerican society.