Page 111 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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Obsidian or flint
Ring for attaching teeth inserted into
leather carrying strap wooden club
▲ AZTEC MAQUAHUITL
Date 1400–1500 PRE-COLUMBIAN WEAPONR
Origin Mexico
1
Length Approx. 23 ⁄2in (60cm)
Material Wood, obsidian
The maquahuitl (broadsword)
▲ AZTEC FLINT KNIFE This flint knife is of an earlier Tooth-shaped was a long war club that was
Date 1400–1530 type than the wood and flint blade used as one of an Aztec warrior’s
maquahuitl. The sharp stone blade primary shock weapons. Although
Origin Mexico
could inflict serious gashes, but made of wood, it was often
Length Approx. 8in (20cm) was more difficult to repair studded with razor-sharp
Material Flint than a wooden broadsword. flakes of obsidian or flint. Y
Long groove for
placing javelin

▲ AZTEC ATLATL The atlatl—a device into
Finger holes to grip onto Date 1400–1500 which a javelin or long dart was
placed—was retained in the hand
Feathers line outer atlatl when making a throw Origin Mexico when the projectile was thrown,
1
edge of shield Length 23 ⁄2in (60cm) giving it around 60 percent more
Material Wood force than a normal spear-throw.
The darts or javelins were held
in the hand and not in a quiver.
Maguey-plant
fiber straps
◀ AZTEC SLING Slings complemented bows as
Date 1400–1530 the main long-range Aztec missile
weapons. Made of maguey-plant
Origin Mexico fibers, they were used to fire
1
Length Approx. 19 ⁄2in (50cm) specially shaped spherical stones
Material Maguey-plant fibers for maximum effect and had a
range of up to 656ft (200m).

Pouch for
slingstone
Green quetzal
feathers

▶ MOCTEZUMA’S HELMET
Date 1500–1520
Origin Mexico
Material Gold, feathers
This is a reproduction of a
helmet said to have belonged
to Moctezuma, the last ruler
of the Aztecs. It was made of
gold, with 400 feathers
of the sacred quetzal
bird bound together
with beadwork.

Feathers end
in a tassel
Beadwork
binding