How is bullfighting rewarded?

Answer 1

In the early years of bullfighting on foot, if a matador did a exceptional job during the fight, he would be awarded an ear. That meant he could claim the meat of the animal after the fight. Matadors were not well paid back then and having the meat of a large bull really was meaningful. Today, top matadors earn thousands of dollars for a single bullfight so the 'trophies' of an ear, two ears or two ears and a tail are symbolic. However, the awards are recorded and matadores who consistently receive trophies can command higher pay for a performance.