Resumen

PONCE L, Ernesto. PREHISPANIC METAL MACES FROM SOUTHERN PERU AND NORTHERMOST CHILE . Chungará (Arica) [online]. 2002, vol.34, n.2, pp.215-223. ISSN 0717-7356.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-73562002000200005.

This paper shows the evolution of the precolumbian mace from its origin through the Inca style. The Inca style is based on the concept of domination rather than extermination of indigenous communities. The manufacturing process and chemical composition are analyzed by using microphotographic and semi quantitative X-ray fluorescence methods. The principal objective is to compare the power of indigenous weapons with the classic Spanish Sword of Toledo, which was used in many Europeans wars. The parameter studied is a comparison between the initial area of impact of the ancient American mace and the sword of Toledo in order to measure effectiveness in combat. The results show that the destructive capacity of the sword is 5 to 46 times higher than the mace. This is one more reason why the Inca army collapsed. This unusual perspective in analyzing the effectiveness of ancient weapons from a mechanical engineering point of view was undertaken using six maces and three XVI century swords

Palabras clave : Ancient metallurgy; precolumbian metal maces; Toledan swords; technical studies; Andean area.