*Joug

*Joug

used in rituals associated with the game of pelota. It is carved in the round and engraved with the emblematic figure of the toad-jaguar, its large eyes symbolically open and the feline muzzle in projection. The rear part is deeply engraved with the frog's legs in feline transformation. The two animals interlock to form a single entity. Carved and polished Syenite, marks of time. Excellent overall condition. Veracruz, Mexico, Classical period, 450-750 A.D. 12.4 x 41.4 x 37.5 cm Provenance: Samuel Dubiner, Tel Aviv, 1950s Former Yvon Collet collection, 1968 Galerie Mermoz collection, 2010 Bibliography: Ulama, Jeux de balles des Olmèques aux Aztèques, Olympic Museum Edition, Lausanne 1997, p.83 , fig.22 for a similar work.