Weapons during Prehistory-1491

Pictured below is our exhibit of weapons used in what is now the United States dating from Prehistory to 1491. During this time period there was mostly only Native people living on this land. Early civilizations used clubs, axes and spears for the most part in weaponry¹ . Most of their weaponry before the colonial period was used for hunting and gathering, rather than for warfare against people and many of their weapons included a sharp tip like an arrow or spear head. First they were made of stone and over time, they developed metal points which eventually replaced the stone tips ². In addition to spears and bows and arrows, many Natives also used knives⁴ and crossbows³. It is also important to note that crossbows and arrows used smaller, and differently shaped projectile points than the spears and knives had tethered to them. Another type of projectile used by Native Americans was the slingshot, where small rocks and stones were flung at enemies and prey. Various other tools and weapons were also used by these people including harpoons to kill whales and fish, blowguns, and pellet bows⁵. During this time period, the weapons were simple, relatively easy to create, and effective. They are reflective of the time period as the people living in America at the time were primitive hunters and gatherers and had not yet encountered colonists who would bring new technology and deadly weapons with them to the Americas.

1. Lambert, Tim. “A Brief History of Weapons.” Local Histories, March 9, 2025.
2. Dick, Dana. “Arrows, Guns, and Buffalo.” National Park Service, April 23, 2021.
3. Guilmartin, J.F. "military technology." Encyclopedia Britannica, October 22, 2024.
4. Don Antonio de Mendoza to Emperors Maiestie, 1528, American Journeys, Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives.
5. Smithsonian Institution. “Collections of Indigenous Weapons and Tools.” Smithsonian Institution.