Toad Yoke

Date

600 - 900

Creator

This greenstone yoke is most likely a ceremonial representation of a much lighter protective belt made of padded leather that would have been worn around the waist by ball players. The game was played with a large solid rubber ball, which gained speed as it struck the stone ballcourt. If a player attempted to strike the ball with their unprotected hands or arms, it most likely would have shattered bones. Instead, the players would strike the ball with their padded hips. This yoke depicts a toad with the eyes and mouth in front and the legs carved along the sides.