What is "macuahuitl"

n. An Aztec obsidian sword or club.

A macuahuitl ( (singular)) is a wooden sword with obsidian blades. The name is derived from the Nahuatl language. Its sides are embedded with prismatic blades traditionally made from obsidian, famous for producing an edge far sharper than even high quality steel razor blades.

The weapon was used by many different civilizations in Mesoamerica including the Aztec (Mexicas), Mayan, Mixtec and Purépecha. The macuahuitl was the standard close combat weapon together with the Tepoztli and the long range spear thrower Atlatl. This weapon was used also during the campaigns of the Spaniards in Mexico by their Tlaxcalan allies.

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. Its original design survives in diverse catalogues, among them the macuahuitl created by the medievalist Achille Jubinal in the 19th century.