Important Note: These images are
presented for educational, scholarly, and artistic research purposes. It is
presented as a comparative analysis of weapons from various regions of Central America,
South America, North America, and the Caribbean, providing a tool for
students and collectors alike. However, these artifacts are not presented
for sale. While some pieces shown here are in the hands of private art and
antiquities dealers - we do not condone the sale of such pieces since many have been obtained through the looting of archaeological sites, or other
unlawful means. Buyers should always do business with ethical dealers,
and insist on complete legal provinance.
Aztec Warriors Carrying Maquahuitl
Swords into Battle
Perhaps the best
known ancient Aztec weapon is the maquahuitl (macahuitl).
This is sometimes compared to the sword, and it was a powerful,
close contact weapon. Like the European sword, they came in two
varieties - one handed and two handed. Made from wood (usually
oak), they were about 3-4" wide and 3-4' long. The two handed
versions might be slightly wider and as tall as a person. Embedded
in the edges was obsidian (volcanic stone) or flint.
The maquahuitls were incredibly strong, and the Spanish claimed they
could chop the head off a horse with one blow. They were sharp and
the Aztecs knew how to use them. They could not thrust like a
sword, and so they lent themselves to a different type of warfare -
more of the broad-sword style or wide arcing swings, or downward
chops.
Aztec Maquahuitl Obsidian Bladed Sword
Aztec Maquahuitl / Obsidian Chip Bladed
Sword with a wooden handle
Macahuitl Used by The Post Classic Maya
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to
enlarge
Aztec jaguar warrior (ocelōtl)
with shield (chimalli) and obsidian sword (mācuahuitl)
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