Makibishi facts for kids

Makibishi are small, flat objects with sharp spikes that were used in feudal Japan. They were like tiny, dangerous traps scattered on the ground. Samurai warriors and ninja often used them to slow down or stop their enemies during chases or battles.

What are Makibishi?

Makibishi are a type of caltrop, which is a weapon designed to injure anyone who steps on it. They usually have four spikes, arranged so that when the object is thrown, one spike always points upwards. This makes them very effective at hurting feet or even the hooves of horses. They were often made from iron, but sometimes from wood or even dried seed pods.

How were Makibishi used?

These spiked objects were mainly used for defense or to escape from enemies. Imagine a samurai being chased: they could scatter makibishi behind them. This would force their pursuers to slow down, stop, or risk painful injuries. This gave the samurai a chance to get away or prepare for a fight.

• Slowing down enemies: When scattered on a path, makibishi made it difficult for enemies to run quickly.
• Protecting areas: They could be thrown around a camp or a hidden location to make it harder for attackers to approach quietly.
• Against horses: Makibishi were also very effective against cavalry, as they could injure horses' hooves, making them unable to continue the chase.

Makibishi in Japanese History

Makibishi were a simple but clever tool used during the Sengoku period (around the 15th to 17th centuries) in Japan. This was a time of many wars and conflicts between different warlords and clans. Warriors needed every advantage they could get, and tools like makibishi provided a way to control the battlefield or make a quick escape. They were part of a wider range of tools and weapons used by both samurai and ninja for their missions and defense.

Images for kids

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  Japanese "makibishi" iron spikes, a type of caltrop

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  This robot is a symbol for learning!