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ULAMA, 3500 years old and still alive! Ulama is an ancient Aztec game of such importance it was often refered to as "The Game". A form of the Aztec ball game is still played today, in Mexico where it is known as Ulama de cadera (hip ulama).
Popularity
The Mexican state of Sinaloa is most known for the modern version of the Aztec ball game.
The Game was a very important part of the Aztec Empire, not just as entertainment, but for political and religious reasons as well.
Location
The court was in the shape of an I. Around which was a slope, surrounded at the outer edge by walls 8-11 feet high. The court was around 150 ft long, with a centre line, and 6 markers along the side walls. against the end walls were 2 stone rings.
Age
Ulama de cadera is a mans game, many woman and children play a game that is closly related called Ulama de antebrazo.
Description
Teams would face each other on the court. The main object of the game being to get the ball through a stone hoop. This was extremely difficult, and so if it actually happened the game would be over. Another important rule was that the ball was never allowed to touch the ground. Players couldn't hold or even touch the ball with their hands - only the elbows, knees, hips and head were used. This made for a very fast paced game. The ball would often be kept in the air for an hour or more.
Dedication
The ball, or ulli, was made of hard rubber and weighed about 9 pounds. Because it was so hard to get the ball through the hoops, there were other objects to the game. Players could hit one of the six markers, found along the sides of the court. Or, they would be given points for other skillful plays. Fouls were also given if the players couldn't get the ball across the centre line, or if they touched the ball with the wrong part of the body, such as the hand or calf.
Closely
Related Activities
ulama de brazo ( or de antebrazo) and ulama de cadera, ulama de palo ( or de mazo)
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
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Legs
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Sight
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Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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