Frog yoke

Yokes are named for their formal similarity to those used to harness draft animals. When placed vertically, they resemble cave openings, believed to be portals into the underworld. This work, with the bulging eyes and elongated mouth of a crouching amphibian, evokes the earth deity who resides at such an entryway. The supernatural imagery is appropriate for a sculpture associated with the Mesoamerican ballgame, given that the game could end in ritual sacrifice.