Maya Recreation
 

The Maya enjoyed games, music, and dancing.

The Maya children and adults enjoyed playing the game pok-ol-pok. It was a ball game that was both a sport and a sacred ceremony. As in our present day game of soccer the ball could not be hit with the hands. It had to be bounced off of the hips, shoulders, or arms. The object of the game was to knock a solid rubber ball through a stone ring. The winning team got to get the jewelry of the losing team. Sometimes the losing team lost their lives. 



The Maya made trumpets out of conch shells or wood. They played drums of different sizes using deer antlers as drumsticks. Men also played turtle shell rattles and pottery flutes. While the musicians played Maya in feathered robes would dance. Much of the music and dance was to honor rulers or gods or for special celebrations.
 
 

 ACTIVITIES
1. Create a gameboard and game pieces that could be used by Maya children. Tell about the game and write the rules for playing.
2. Create a musical instrument the Maya may have used.

 
 
Home Page
Maya Intro
Maya Religion
Maya Culture
Maya Food
Maya Recreation
Maya Architecture
Maya Daily Life

 
Culmination