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How was the macuahuitl used?
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.
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.
How did the macuahuitl help the Aztecs?
The blunt portions of a macuahuitl could knock someone unconscious. This would allow Aztec warriors to then drag the unlucky victim back for a ceremonial human sacrifice to their gods. Second, the flat edges of each macuahuitl contained anywhere from four to eight razor-sharp pieces of volcanic obsidian.
Can you make weapons out of obsidian?
Long answer: obsidian is a very hard and brittle material. This means that it will break easily, but can also be made extremely sharp. In fact, obsidian arrowheads and knives are some of the sharpest in the world.
What was the Aztec ceremonial knife used for?
The tecpatl or sacrificial knife, was an important element in Aztec rituals. The tecpatl was used by Aztec priests to open the chest of the victims of human sacrifice to extract the heart that would feed the gods, in the hope that the offerings would bring blessings to mankind.
What weapons did the Aztecs have?
Weapons & Armour Aztec warriors were taught from childhood in weapons handling and they became expert users of clubs, bows, spears, and darts. Protection from the enemy was provided via round shields (chimalli), and, more rarely, helmets.
Did Mayans use Macuahuitl?
The macuahuitl was a standard close combat weapon. The weapon was used by different civilisations including the Aztec (Mexicas), Maya, Mixtec and Toltec. One example of this weapon survived the Conquest of Mexico; it was part of the Royal Armoury of Madrid until it was destroyed by a fire in 1884.
Is a Macuahuitl a sword?
These could be knapped into blades or spikes, or into a circular design that looked like scales. The maquahuitl is not specifically a sword or a club, although it approximates a European broadsword. Historian John Pohl defines the weapon as a “kind of a saw sword”.