180 



APPENDIX. 



The methods in which these axes were used are well shown in the subjoined 

 cuts, faithfully copied from the Mexican paintings, Figs. 58 and 59. They require 



no explanation beyond what is furnished by Clavigero, who says : " The Mexicans 

 made use of an axe to cut trees, which was also made of copper, and was of the 

 same form as those of modern times, except that we put the handle in an eye of the 

 axe, while they put the axe in an eye of the handle." Fig. 60 is copied fi-om the 

 Mendoza Paintings, and represents a carpenter using one of these axes, or one 

 very similar, adjusted, probably, so as to answer the purpose of an adze. 



In the Mexican battle paintings, we occasionally 

 observe weapons, the blades of which were of copper, 

 as is shown by their green color, and which were used 

 something after the manner of the battle-axe. Exam- 

 ples are here given. Fig. 81. 



But although copper was used for such purposes, it 

 does not appear that it entirely substituted itself for 

 stone; for stone axes, and weapons formed by inserting blades of obsidian or 

 itzli in sohd pieces of wood, were common as late as the period of the Spanish 

 conquest. The instrument this formed was called mahqtiahuitl, and was much 

 dreaded by the Spaniards, who told wonderful stories of their efficiency, affirming 

 that a single stroke was sufficient to cut a man through the middle, or decapitate 



vmr 



a horse. Figs. 62 and 63 are examples from the paintings, and Fig. 64 is copied 

 from the monuments at Chichen Itza, in Yucatan. The latter represents an axe, 

 or rather, weapon of war, made by inserting blades of obsidian in a handle of 

 wood, as above described. It will be seen by reference to Vol. I., p. 211, of these 

 Contributions, that there is reason to believe that an entirely corresponding prac- 

 tice prevailed amongst the mound-builders. The device is an extremely simple 

 one, and seems to have been common to many rude nations. 



