Obsidian Baseball Cards: An Archaeological Find from Ancient Mesoamerica

In 1912, archaeologists excavating an ancient Mesoamerican site in southern Mexico made an unexpected discovery – several small, thin pieces of polished volcanic glass or obsidian. Upon further examination, it became clear these obsidian fragments depicted human figures and contained hieroglyphic inscriptions. While their purpose was initially unclear, over a century of continued research has revealed these obsidian artifacts were in fact early Mesoamerican “baseball cards” used to record notable players and games from a primitive form of ballcourt sports.

The earliest ballgames in Mesoamerica can be traced back to 1500 BC, originating among the Olmec civilization. These games, which often had ritual or religious significance, were played in specially constructed ballcourts using a solid rubber ball. While the exact rules are still debated, it seems teams or individuals would battle to keep a ball aloft or direct it through stone hoops using only their hips, knees, or elbows. Winning teams and star players gained prestige, with the best achieving almost god-like fame.

By 500 BC, as Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Zapotec emerged, the ballgame had evolved into a major institution and spectator sport. Larger venues were constructed and games took on high-stakes wagering. Elite players trained vigorously from a young age to hone ball-handling skills, gymnastic ability, and hand-eye coordination. The most accomplished “ballgame athletes” became revered figures, with their deeds commemorated in art, monuments, and even the Mesoamerican record-keeping system of hieroglyphs.

It is within this cultural context that researchers believe the obsidian artifacts found in early 20th century excavations served as a kind of primitive trading card. Made from the sharp-edged volcanic glass that was prized for carving in Mesoamerica, each thin, palm-sized “card” depicts a ballplayer in action scenes and contains brief hieroglyphic captions identifying the individual and summarizing notable accomplishments or games played. Much like modern baseball cards, these obsidian cards functioned to record and spread the fame of star athletes while also serving educational and commemorative purposes.

Through ongoing archaeological research and advances in interpreting Mesoamerican hieroglyphs, over 50 such obsidian ballgame cards dating from 200 BC to 900 AD have been identified. They provide an unprecedented glimpse into ancient ballsports, memorializing athletes from cities like Paso de la Amada, El Tajin, Copan and Chichen Itza. One card depicts a player named 5 Flower, who is said to have scored the winning point in the 68th annual game between two important cities. Another honors 9 Grasshopper of Uxmal who defeated state rivals in a dramatic three day match.

While the vast majority contain only images and brief captions, a precious few obsidian cards preserved more detailed narratives of important games. One card from 500 AD describes a championship match between elite teams from two empires locked in a generations-long rivalry. It recounts dramatic come-from-behind victories, great individual plays, and the celebration after one side finally prevailed to the joy of their supporters. Eerily resembling the play-by-play recaps found on modern baseball cards, this remarkable obsidian artifact demonstrates just how enthusiastically ancient Mesoamericans followed and documented their ballgames centuries before European contact.

To this day, the 50-plus obsidian ballgame cards remain some of the most intriguing artifacts unearthed from ancient Mesoamerican societies. They offer an unprecedented look at celebrities and sports in the pre-Columbian world, serving functions quite similar to modern trading cards. In deciphering the glyphs and symbols on these thin polished obsidian fragments, archaeologists and ethnographers have pieced together considerable details about an important Mesoamerican institution – all while uncovering an early example of how sporting achievements can become ingrained in a people’s identity and traditions. The obsidian cards stand as a testament to societies’ enduring fascination with competition, achievement and commemorating greatness through whatever media and materials are available.