USE OF COPPER BY THE A B R I (41 N E S . 



181 



The copper axes of ancient Egypt closely resembled those above described, 

 both in form and the mode of attachment to the handle. The accompanying 

 illustration, Fig. 65, reduced from one of Visconti's plates, represents one of unique 



and ornamental workmanship. It will be observed that it is also lashed to the 

 handle with thongs : differing from the primitive American axe, only in the manner 

 of insertion. In this instance the broad end of the tool is sunk in the wood. 



The Mexicans also used copper to point their spears and, 

 arrows; although here obsidian was often substituted. Fig. 

 66 is a representation of a short javehn, which we find of fre- 

 quent occurrence in the paintings, and which seems to have 

 been used only in close combat. The long javelin, or that Fig ee. 



which was thrown from the hand, is well shown in Fig. 67, which exhibits the 



Fig, 67.. 



manner in which it was thrown, and also the xuiatlatli, or instrument used in 

 throwing it, and by means of which it was sent with gi;eater accuracy and force 

 than could otherwise be attained. The gods are almost always represented, in the 

 mythological paintings, holding the xuiatlatli in their hands. It is often fancifully 

 ornamented with tassels and feathers. 



The Peruvians used copper for precisely the same purposes with the Mexicans. 

 Says La Vega, " They make their arms, knives, carpenters' tools, large pins, ham- 

 mers for their forges, and their mattocks, of copper ; for which reason they seek 

 it in preference to gold." And Ulloa adds, " The copper axes of the Peruvians 

 differ very little in shape from ours ; and it appears that these were the implements 

 with which they performed most of their works. They are of various shapes and 



