Seated ballplayer, 1st century AD. This 48 centimetre high ceramic sculpture dates from the 1st century B.C. to 3rd century A.D. It is from the Ameca-Etzatl醤 culture in Jalisco, a western state of Mexico. The sculpture is of a seated ballplayer holding a large rubber ball close to the chest. The ballplayer is depicted wearing pants to protect his lower body as the ball was thrown from the hips. Ballgames were an important part of Mesoamerican ceremonies that also had music, dance and drama. Ceramic sculptures of ball game players in Jalisco were used as funeral offerings in the tombs of important men who were skilful players.