Ulama

Maqamat hariri

Diploma WDL2489

Endowment Charter ('Waqfiyya') of Haseki Hürrem Sultan (TIEM 2192)

Seyh-ül-Islâm

Portrait of Allamah Majlisi

Ulama is a traditional Mesoamerican ballgame played by the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. The game has been a significant part of Mesoamerican culture, with its origins tracing back to as early as 1400 BCE. Ulama was more than just a game; it held deep religious and cultural significance, often associated with the mythological themes of life, death, and rebirth. The game was played across different cultures, including the Maya, Aztecs, and Olmecs, each adapting it to their own cultural and religious contexts.

Rules and Gameplay

The rules of Ulama varied between regions and periods, but the game generally involved teams using their hips to propel a heavy rubber ball through a court. The goal was often to pass the ball through a stone hoop mounted on the court's side walls, although in many cases, the objective was simply to keep the ball in play and within the boundaries of the court. The courts themselves were a significant architectural feature, with the Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza being one of the most famous.

Cultural Significance

Ulama was deeply embedded in Mesoamerican culture and religion. It was believed to symbolize the cosmic battle between day and night, and by extension, the struggle between life and death. The game could be a ritual that mimicked the celestial journey of the sun, or a symbolic reenactment of the mythological death and rebirth of the gods. In some cultures, the outcome of a game could even determine the fate of the players, with losers sometimes being sacrificed to the gods.

Modern Revival

Today, Ulama is still played in some parts of Mexico, particularly in the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit, where it is considered a link to the indigenous past and a living tradition. Efforts to revive and preserve the game are part of broader initiatives to maintain and celebrate indigenous cultures and traditions.

See Also

• Mesoamerican mythology
• Ballcourt
• Indigenous peoples of the Americas