Book of Mormon History: Weapons

During my study of the Book of Mormon this year I have decided to research any passages or subjects that raise historical questions in my mind. As I do I will post my findings. Most of this information will be regurgitated from various LDS blogs and apologetic websites that I will try my best to source accurately.

This past week as I have read the Book of Mormon by myself and with my family I have questioned the weapons used in Nephite/Lamanite battles. These weapons, such as the sword and cimitar, resemble those used in early European warfare more then what we know today about ancient Mesoamerica.

An plausible explanation for these anachronisms we find in the Book of Mormon exists. An anachronism is "a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other."[1]

Some of the anachronisms in the Book of Mormon may have been limitations in Joseph Smith's vocabulary when translating the ancient record. For example, a long instrument with a handle swung at an opponent in battle could be described using various words that Joseph Smith was familiar with - sword, club, etc. While that instrument may not resemble a standard European sword, the term “sword” was the best descriptive word or label for that instrument in Joseph Smith’s vocabulary.

If this explanation is plausible then a study of known weapons that existed in Mesoamerica may show parallels between these weapons and what Joseph Smith describes.

There are parallels that exist for both the sword and the cimiter. A possible weapon that could be described as a sword, and was described as such by the early Spaniards was the macuahuitl.

Matthew Roper who has written two compelling articles on swords in the Book of Mormon describes this Mesoamerican weapon –

“A macuahuitl consisted of a long, flat piece of hardwood with grooves along the side into which were set and glued sharp fragments of flint or obsidian (volcanic glass). Several inches of the wood piece were usually left as a handgrip at the bottom, the rest of the instrument having a continuous sharp serrated edge; others had spaces between the blades that resulted in a serrated edge. While most of these weapons were blunt at the top, some were tipped with a sharp stone.” [2]

Roper goes on to state that a possible weapon used for the cimiter would be a curved wood weapon with inset stones described by Ross Hassig, an expert on Aztec warfare.

Roper says the weapon “consisted of a curved piece of hardwood approximately 18 inches long with obsidian blades inset into its cutting end.”[3]

For more information on these Mesoamerican weapons and their similarities to terms used in the Book of Mormon please read Matthew Roper’s FARMS articles.

Swords and "Cimeters" in the Book of Mormon
Eyewitness Descriptions of Mesoamerican Swords

This information makes it possible that the terms "sword" and "cimiter" used in the Book of Mormon are accurate and historically correct. However, it neither proves nor disproves the historicity of the Book of Mormon.

Whether or not there are Mesoamerican weapons that resemble terms used in the Book of Mormon has no bearing on the book's claims besides being a logical explanation for believers.

The only way we can know if the Book of Mormon is what it claims to be is through study and sincere prayer. I have done this, and by the Holy Ghost I know the Book of Mormon is true scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ.

[1] Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary
[2] Journal of Book of Mormon Studies - Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Swords and "Cimeters" in the Book of Mormon by Matthew Roper
[3] Ibid.