Did the Aztecs use obsidian weapons?

Aztec swords were made with rows of small obsidian teeth. They were murderous weapons for cutting an enemy. Now we find that being cut with obsidian is less painful than you’d think, because it makes such a sharp edge. So obsidian became woven into Aztec worship as well as Aztec function.

Did the Aztecs use macuahuitl?

By the time of the Spanish conquest the macuahuitl was widely distributed in Mesoamerica. The weapon was used by different civilisations including the Aztec (Mexicas), Maya, Mixtec and Toltec.

What weapons did the conquistadors use?

The conquistadors’ weapons were rapiers and two-handed broadswords, pikes and halberds, crossbows and match- lock muskets, and a few cannons.

Why was the macuahuitl important to the Aztecs?

The macuahuitl was primarily used for two purposes – killing in battle and the maiming of enemies to subdue them for live sacrifice. When used in battle, the macuahuitl was sharp enough to decapitate man and horse. During battle, the capture of enemies for use in live sacrifice was of prime importance.

Was the macuahuitl a good weapon?

It was used in actual combat, and was extremely effective. Its obsidian blades were extremely sharp—far sharper than the steel weapons that the Spanish used. The invaders recorded it being used to kill a man and decapitate a horse with a single blow.

Is macuahuitl a sword?

The macuahuitl wasn’t really a sword, being neither of metal nor curved–the weapon was a sort of wooden staff similar in shape to a cricket bat but with sharp cutting edges. Macuahuitl is a Nahua (Aztec language) term which means “Hand stick or wood”; the closest similar European weapon might be a broadsword.

Are there any real macuahuitl?

The last authentic macuahuitl was destroyed in a museum fire in Madrid Spain in the 1880s but many reproductions have been made and some even used in experimental archaeology to see what they could cut through.

Did conquistadors use pikes?

Pikes and pikemen, a standard feature in many European armies at the time, were largely unnecessary in the New World due to the lack of enemy horsemen.

What did the conquistadors wear?

Most conquistadors wore a full set of armor which consisted of a heavy breastplate, arm and leg greaves, a metal skirt, and protection for the neck and throat called a gorget.

Can you make an obsidian knife?

The key to producing a quality obsidian knife is the quality of the stone. Obsidian knives are capable of cutting, but are mainly used as decorative artifacts. The handles are traditionally fashioned out of antlers or wood. A working knowledge of flintknapping is crucial for this craft.