Artifact: Carved Stone Weapon

Carved stone weapons were used both in daily life, sacrifice and warfare, but also are also found in cemetery, burials, and ritual site. Mayans' weapons were not particularly designed for the efficiency of warfare usage but were concentrated on the symbolism, meaning and imagery of the god and goddess, as well as the decorations and articulations of each weapon. “Maya artisans prized flint for their weaponry,” and the artisans were more concerned with the meaning of the weapon more than the efficiency. However, since most of the weaponry kept a very simple design, the function and the efficiency of the usage came naturally. As such, this carved stone weapon “suggests a zoomorph, perhaps a snake in its long, sinuous shape;” and the simplicity of the design is also apparent. This particular artifact shows the effectiveness of the simple design to serve its functions, while the design is also inspired by an animal and may perhaps held a certain symbolism or significance.