Reclining ballplayer

This ceramic figure is among the oldest known representations of a hip-ballplayer. His position, reclining with one hand on the ground, is typical for a hip-ballplayer playing por abajo, low over the ground, although he is represented in a resting pose (cf. Leyenaar and Parsons, 1988: fig. 31). His hip is protected by an open-ended yugo, and his right knee is covered with a pad for protection. The figure wears ear ornaments and a head-dress with avian imagery. Jones (1991: 172) suggests that the bird represented is an eagle rather than an owl as proposed by Gay (1972:32-5, figs. 22a-b; 1979: 46-7, fig. 19), although the beak shape is not unlike that of a parrot. Evidence of breakage on the chest indicates that at one time the figure probably wore a large chest ornament or protective device. Traces of red pigment are visible around the neck and ears.

Entry taken from Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection 3 volume catalogue, edited by Steven Hooper (Yale University Press, 1997).