The term 'macana, of Taíno origin, refers to a number of different wooden weapons used by the various native cultures of Central and South America.

The earliest meaning attributed to macana is a sword-like weapon made out of wood, but still sharp enough to be dangerous. The term is also sometimes applied to the similar Aztec weapon, which is studded with pieces of obsidian in order to create a blade, though some authorities distinguish this item by using the Nahuatl name macahuitl .

In modern Spanish the word has broadened to refer to various types of blunt wooden weapons, especially a police nightstick.

External links

• Picture of a sharpened macana with no obsidian edge (Spanish)
• Pictures from the Ixtlilxochitl Codex featuring the macahuitl (Spanish)