In some cases, the rows of obsidian were spaced apart, with gaps in between, similar to sawteeth. The Macuahuitl was used not only in battle, but also in sacrifices to the gods. According to some accounts, it was sharp enough to decapitate a man, and possibly even a horse. Though the Machuahuitl?s wooden ?blade? itself was not sharp enough to inflict any damage, the rows of obsidian blades could cause serious lacerations. These pieces would then be held securely in the groove using some sort of natural adhesive. A groove along each edge allowed the insertion of sharp edged pieces of obsidian or, less frequently, flint. It measured three to four feet long, and was only about three inches wide. This weapon could be made in both one handed and two handed forms. Though it is sometimes called a sword, it is not a true sword, and there is no European equivalent for this weapon. The Macuahuitl was often used in combat with a chimalli, or round shield, a tlauitolli, or bow, and the atlatl, or spear thrower. Little is known about this weapon other than what can be inferred by drawings or records by Spanish conquistadors. Unfortunately, the last authentic Aztec Macuahuitl was destroyed in a fire in Madrid in 1884. In fact, its use was so widespread that it was noted repeatedly in notes taken during the sixteenth century Spanish conquest, likely at the peak of the Macuahuitl?s popularity. This weapon was commonly used by Aztec military forces and other cultures found in present day central Mexico. The Macuahuitl is made of wood, and its sides are embedded with blades made from obsidian, a volcanic glass stone frequently used by the Aztecs and other pre Columbian cultures in the making of tools. The Macuahuitl is an ancient Aztec weapon shaped like a sword.
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