The Shawnee Tribe Weapons were similar to weapons that the tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy used. These tribes were located in the Northeast and often had conflicts with each other.
Their use of these weapons changed as technology continued to progress. They would eventually adopt European weapons with backwood tactics.
Tomahawk
The tomahawk was a favorite of the Shawnee Tribe Weapons. The Tomahawk was made from stone with a wood handle.
These versatile weapons were used in war, hunting, and gathering resources. When it was in the hands of a skilled warrior, it was extremely deadly.
The tomahawk could be thrown and cut down an enemy from a small distance. With the arrival of horses, the tomahawk became even more deadly as it could be thrown from a galloping horse and quickly drop an enemy.
The Shawnee would also use this weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
Upon the arrival of the Europeans, the Shawnee would be introduced to metal, which would make the tomahawk more reliable and deadly.
The Spear
The spear was another common Shawnee weapon. However, its use was not what one would think.
It was used for hunting and not much in war. Spears were commonly used in the ancient and medieval world for war. They were especially effective when used with cavalry. There are other instances where long spears were used to repel cavalry.
The Shawnee used it to hunt and fish. A native that was experienced with a spear could quickly kill fish while standing on the bank.
The Bow and Arrow
The most common weapon that was used by the Native Americans, including the Shawnee, was the Bow and Arrow.
A skilled warrior had no problem getting off 20 arrows compared to one musket shot. They were also discreet and could be shot from a concealed location and not reveal where the warrior was hiding.
The Shawnee made their bows from wood and the string from animal guts. They were crafted with great detail and known for their high quality.
their arrows were made of wood and tipped with flint and after the Europeans arrived metal.
War Club
A common weapon found in most native tribes, including those belonging to the Shawnee Tribe, was the War Club.
This was the most common weapon used for hand-to-hand combat during the war. It would consist of a wide handle with a large ball atop the club. This ball would be the primary striking point that, if connected, would crush a man's skull.
Clubs were commonly used but quickly disappeared after the arrival of the Europeans, making them ineffective.
The Gun
The first time many Northeast Tribes saw the gun in action was when they fought against Samuel de Champlain and his Indian allies. Champlain's first use of the gun in the New World was against the Iroquois.
Soon, many tribes would get their hands on muskets, rifles, pistols, etc., and then change their style of warfare. The Shawnee became extremely accurate and employed new guerilla-style warfare that focused on the ambush rather than the European style.
These tactics would be adopted by the colonists and other tribes during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
The great Shawnee chief Tecumseh would also use modern weapons at the time of the War of 1812.
