Exploring Chajchaay, the ancient Mayan ball game

Guatemalan natives play Chajchaay, an ancient Mayan ball game, at the central square of Aguilares, 36 km north of San Salvador, El Salvador on July 8, 2016. (AFP)

Updated on: Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM IST

Lifestyle

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Guatemalan natives play Chajchaay, an ancient Mayan ball game, at the central square of Aguilares, 36 km north of San Salvador, El Salvador on July 8, 2016. (AFP)

2/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

The game is played during an educational cultural event with the aim of promoting the Chajchaay among the Salvadoran youth. (AFP)

3/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Chajchaay is almost 1,000 years old that is still played in the streets of El Salvador. (AFP)

4/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Before the game the Mayan spiritual leaders blessed the court and the players by lighting incense and saying prayers. (AFP)

5/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Players wear a striking array of masks and paint their faces before the start of the game. (AFP)

6/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

The players burn incense before the game. (AFP)

7/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

The players use solid-rubber ball to play. (AFP)

8/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Guatemalan natives prepare to play Chajchaay. (AFP)

9/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

A game of Chajchaay in progress. (AFP)

10/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

A ritual before the start of a game of Chajchaay. (AFP)

11/11

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM

Chajchaay looks like a net-free volleyball in which players use hips, knees and elbows to play.