Offensive Weapons
"Estolica" - Small, elastic wands to throw projectiles (similar to the Aztec atlatl). Were employed by the jungle troops.
Slings (Quechua: huaraca) - Were composed of a regular-sized cord in which a projectile was placed (in this case, spheric stones). The projectile would be thrown with a circular movement of the huaraca.
Bolas or Ayllos - Stones tied to ends of rope to be swung at enemies (also used in hunting)
Spears (Quechua: Suchuc Chiqui) - Were favored by Cuzco troops. All generals would use them as symbols of power.
"Macanas" (Quechua: Chaska chiqui, or Star-headed spear)- Wooden handles with a heavy object at the top. Normally these heavy objects would have star shapes (to maximize chances of breaking bones) and were the most common weapons in the Inca arsenal. It is said that the objects on the top of the weapon could be made of gold or silver according to the rank of the soldier.
Bow and Arrow - Used mostly by jungle troops (Antisuyo region). Some jungle tribes used two metre long arrows capable of going through several enemies at once.
Clubs (Quechua: Chambi) - Mostly used by southern nations.
Axes (Quechua: Cuncha chucuna, or Neck-breaker) - Could be made of stone or copper.
After the arrival of the Spanish, the Inca adopted European military technology such as horses, swords, and armor. It is known that Manco Inca led an Inca horse-mounted unit against Spanish occupation forces.
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