In November 2022 we were given the task of developing a sculptural piece from two elements: a soccer ball and a pre-Hispanic ball player.
The objective: to make known the origin of the name of the silver city of Taxco, which is derived from the Nahuatl toponym Tlachco , meaning "place of the ball game." And to send this handmade sculpture to Qatar to show the world the great ancestral cultural wealth of the pre-Hispanic game and to unite it with the game of soccer within the framework of the celebration of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In this way we began the search for solutions to creative and technical processes for the execution of this piece. Thus, the idea of a life-size silver ball, size 5, with details in 24K gold plating, was conceived, which contained a jaguar warrior inside playing the pre-Columbian ball game. We have named the sculpture "The Pearl of Tlachco".
The design was based on the official World Cup ball, "Al Rihla", which is made up of 20 pieces, making it the fastest ball ever made for a World Cup competition.
Once the design of the elements is done, the templates of the 12 largest pieces of the ball are sized, cut out of .925 Sterling Silver sheet, which when joined together give shape to the remaining 8 pieces that serve as a "window" for the exhibition of the sculpture inside.
Once the 12 pieces have been cut, the stuffing process begins. to give the required shape to each of them and together form the sphere.
Each of the pieces is welded with fine solder until the sphere is completely formed.
The sculpture designed inside the soccer ball represents a jaguar warrior, an important symbol in the pre-Hispanic culture of Mexico and the State of Guerrero, with details in 24k gold plating that reflect the richness of Mesoamerican iconography. The texture and shine of the materials combine to create a visual effect, highlighting the movement and strength of the warrior. 
The ball holder made of .925 sterling silver and 24K gold plating is inspired by the flag of the host country Qatar.
The Tlachco pearl tells a story, connects us with our roots, mixes us with different cultures and generations, through the artistic expression of creative Mexican hands.
More than jewelry, it is art.