Native American Weapons

by Colin F. Taylor

Featuring 155 color photographs and illustrations, Native American Weapons surveys weapons made and used by American Indians north of present-day Mexico from prehistoric times to the late nineteenth century, when European weapons were in common use. Colin F. Taylor skillfully describes the weapons and their roles in tribal culture, economy, and political systems. He categorizes the weapons according to their function--from striking, cutting, and piercing weapons to those with defensive and even symbolic properties, and he documents the ingenuity of the people who crafted them. Taylor explains the history and use of weapons such as the atlatl, a lethal throwing stick whose basic design was enhanced by carving, painting, or other ornamentation. The atlatl surprised De Soto's expedition and contributed to the Spaniards' defeat. Another highlight is Taylor's description of the evolution of body armor, first fashioned to defend against arrows, then against bullets from early firearms. Over thousands of years the weapons were developed and creatively matched to their environment--highly functional and often decorative, carried proudly in tribal gatherings and in war.

Genres: American History

128 pages, Hardcover

First published April 10, 2001

Reviews

[Little Timmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice history book just crammed full of great photos. Nice read and well laid out information. Very recommended

[Feiraco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good reference book on what the title implies: native American weapons. The focus is on the circa 200 years before the natives started to use rifles and revolvers en masse, and those weapons are barely mentioned. This immediately indicates one of the flaws, as natives used repeating rifles (for instance) during their major success: the Battle of the Little Bighorn. But the book itself is a great work divided in clear chapters on their functionality: striking, cutting, piercing, defensive and symbolism. The book is colorful and very readable. Overall, there are few similar books available, making this one quite unique.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a very good dive in too Native American weapons and culture. I believe these are the best pictures I have ever seen in a book like this. I which the author added some more information on Aztec and Inca because there absence was noted. Over all a great book would highly recommend.