(Supposed)
Book of Mormon Anachronisms
(c) Copyright Michael R. Ash 1998. All rights reserved
Verse in Question:
And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land. (Mosiah 21:7.)
The word “armor” is used in the Book of Mormon nine times. And the critics are convinced this presents an anachronism.
...thus far no ... armor... [has] ever been found in pre-colonial archaeological sites. (Scott, 83.)
When modern readers think of “armor” the first thing that usually pops to mind are the metal suits of armor as used in late medieval Western Europe. History has demonstrated, however, that ancient cultures made armor from metal, wood, bone, horn, stone, animal hides, leaves, and even silk. (William Hamblin (1990), 402.) Dr. Hamblin identifies eight distinct Book of Mormon armor terms: breastplate (11 times), shields (10 times), armor (9 times), head-plates (7 times), arm-shields (2 times), animal skins (2 times), thick clothing (2 times), and bucklers (1 time). (Ibid., 404.) Examining each term yields logical equivalents to what we know of ancient New World “armor.”
Breastplates
“One of the most significant elements of an elite Maya’s dress,” notes Hamblin, “was the breastplate or pectoral. It is difficult to examine any Maya sculpture or painting without finding examples of these breastplates.... These breastplates were generally made of wood, bone, shells, jade, and other stones, as well as various pieces of metal. They were frequently elaborately carved with decorations of gods, hieroglyphs, animals, and human skulls. Most depictions of Maya warriors show them wearing such breastplates.” (Ibid., 412.)
Shields, “Arm-Shields,” and Bucklers
Hamblin demonstrates that Mayan art depicts numerous types of shields including a large fabric shield. He quotes the early Spaniard De Landa who claimed that the natives “‘had shields made of split and woven reeds and covered with deer hide.’” (Ibid., 414.) Hamblin also notes that the Aztecs made use of small arm shields known as matemecatl and matzopetztli. (Ibid.)
Head-Plates
Mayan art depicts headgear from simple leather or cloth headbands mounted with jade plaques, to more complex wooden hats with mounted jade, shell, stone, or metal which were tied under the chin with straps. (Ibid., 413.)
Thick Clothing
Both the Aztecs and the Mayan often wore a basic armor which consisted of a thick and sleeveless jackets made cotton or other woven material known as ichcahuipilli. Sometimes these jackets would be doubly quilted and could withstand a direct arrow impact. The garment was so light and cheap that the Spaniards adopted it as well. (Sorenson (1985), 262.)
Animal Skins
“Just as in the Book of Mormon,” notes Hamblin, “the most common material used for armor among the Maya and Aztecs was thick fabric or animal skins.” Often the Mayans or Aztecs wore leather skins and armor over these quilted jackets (ichcahuipilli) to increase their protection. (Hamblin (1990), 412.)
As is typical with most supposed Book of Mormon anachronisms, the case of “armor” in the Book of Mormon is vindicated upon further investigation.
Michael R. Ash
Return to Mormon Fortress