Description
Part 1: https://youtu.be/05LTCHJvBmA
After looking at what a Macuahuitl is and how it was (probably) made, let's dive into how well it worked, according to historical sources and modern-day practical tests.
The main thing to keep in mind here (aside from being cautious with conquistador accounts) is that any test depends heavily on the quality of the reconstruction. A poorly made Macuahuitl with irregular, low quality obsidian blades doesn't tell us anything of value. Aztec craftsmanship was outstanding, so their "swords" would have been better than most of what you see now.
By the way, I'm offering a few more things from my collection for sale, to cover health-related expenses:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/13qtVMFE0YdN2r04OjiYcw_u0D5ZGTQ6mJODqcj58yFo/
*** Sources / Credits ***
“The macuahuitl: an innovative weapon of the Late Post-Classic in Mesoamerica” (2006) by Marco Antonio Cervera Obregon
https://woosterglobalhistory.org/LAcolonial/archive/files/23395812_33c717a7fb.pdf
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Codex_Mendoza.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toledo-Zbroya.jpg
https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Spanish_conquistador_style_armour_03.jpg/3840px-Spanish_conquistador_style_armour_03.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spanish_armor.jpg
https://timevaultgallery.com/large-aztec-pre-columbian-green-crystal-obsidian-blood-letting-sacrifice-blade-knife-pc417/
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blade_(AM_2012.19.28-1).jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blade_(AM_2012.19.26-1).jpg
An accident showing the cutting power of obsidian blades:
“Mayans S1 E1 – Warriors” by THE History Channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4pA0If3J14
Testing the Effectiveness of a Musk Ox Horn club and Obsidian Macuahuitl!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfINUxE-UCY
Amazing knapping skill by Anthony Silva Soares (pressure flaking prismatic obsidian blades):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYHMtjaAwCQ
“The Macuahuitl - The Obsidian Sword of the Aztecs” by North02
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12GP6ktNIk0
"Testing Aztec obsidian sword, can it cut through bone?" by Diego Saul Reyna Español
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjN6zdktD4A
“Combate con Macuahuitl” by Aztecorum Arqueologia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pnodktUmgQ
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