The atlatl (spear-thrower) was introduced to the Maya region by Teotihuacan in the Early Classic.[162] This was a 0.5 metres (1.6 ft) long stick with a notched end to hold a dart or javelin.[163] The stick was used to launch the missile with more force and accuracy than could be accomplished by simply hurling it with the arm alone.[162] Evidence in the form of stone blade points recovered from Aguateca indicate that darts and spears were the primary weapons of the Classic Maya warrior.[164] Commoners used blowguns in war, which also served as their hunting weapon.[162] The bow and arrow is another weapon that was used by the ancient Maya for both war and hunting.[151] Although present in the Maya region during the Classic period, its use as a weapon of war was not favoured;[165] it did not become a common weapon until the Postclassic.[162] The Contact period Maya also used two-handed swords crafted from strong wood with the blade fashioned from inset obsidian,[166] similar to the Aztec macuahuitl. Maya warriors wore body armour in the form of quilted cotton that had been soaked in salt water to toughen it; the resulting armour compared favourably to the steel armour worn by the Spanish when they conquered the region.[167] Warriors bore wooden or animal hide shields decorated with feathers and animal skins.