Ulama is the modern decendant of the Mesoamerican ball game that used to so popular among all the peoples of pre-Columbian era, the ancestors of modern Mexicans, Aztecs included among them.

Evidence of this game has been found all the way to El Salvador, and in the American state of Arizona. Its roots are thought to reach the 2nd millenium BCE, with religious and ritual significance deepening its significance for ancient native peoples.

Today the game is still popular among some isolated native tribes such as the Sinaloa (which is also a state in Mexico) who still adhere to the ancient customs in manuifacturing the rubber ball, and wear the traditional attire while playing the game. It is striking that there has been little difference in the production of the balls over the thousands of years during which the game has enjoyed popularity, as evidenced by the relics found in excavations in various parts of the American continent.