Palma

Date

700-900

Creator

Palmas like this one were used in ballgame-related pageantry exclusively in the El Tajín region of Veracruz, and appear to be a Veracruz innovation. In Classic Veracruz, the ballgame was a major part of the regional culture. Palmas, named for their palm frond shape, were worn at the front of the body and would rest atop the yoke, or protective belt worn around the player’s hips. It has been argued that they might have provided protection to the players’ internal organs and that the imagery on the palmas identified the player and their position in society.