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Cultural Context

weapon

History Of Use

Use of the macana has been noted for some time in the region; it is perhaps a traditional weapon from pre-European contact, but archaeologically unstable medium prevents confirmation. It is used primarily in duels, particularly those over adultery, rather than warfare. Duels usually occur during male drinking parties.

Description

Slim, heavy wooden club, tapering from a deeply notched head to the grip. In section, the blade is a very flat diamond with concave faces with a central ridge on both sides. The extreme edges have been sharpened further. Very small ridges above grip serve as hand guard. Handle is a flat hexagon in section, tapering to the base, where a slightly wider pommel ends in a point. The weapon is dark brown overall, but worn at the edges of the blade and the grip to a light brown. Dark colour possibly a resin, oil, or some other stain. Probably chonta palm wood.