Walkthroughs & Resources
Medical Tools & Materials
Find a list of tools below for quick examples and descriptions
Knives and Scalpels
Made from flint, obsidian or bone. Flint and obsidian tools were particularly valued for their sharp edges.
These tools were used for making incisions in the skin, removing foreign objects, and performing surgical procedures such as trepanation. Obsidian scalpels could create very fine and clean cuts, reducing the risk of infection.
Trepanation Tools
Stone tools, often made from flint or obsidian.
Trepanation, a procedure where a portion of the skull is removed to treat head injuries or illnesses, required great skill and tools that could create precise and controlled cuts.
Suturing Materials
Animal sinews and intestines were used as suturing material to sew wounds together. These materials were strong and flexible, making them suitable for holding wound edges together.
Fibers from plants like yucca or agave were also used for suturing. These plant fibers were naturally antiseptic and less likely to cause infections.
Pressure Dressings and Tampons
Made from soft materials such as animal hides, plant fibers, or woven textiles, used to apply pressure to wounds and stop bleeding.
Absorbent materials like moss, bark, or certain types of fungi were used to fill wounds and stop bleeding. These materials also had antiseptic properties that helped prevent infections.
Herbal Medicine and Salves
Stone or wooden tools used to grind herbs into powders or mix ingredients for salves. This enabled the preparation of effective medicinal preparations.
Bowls and containers made from ceramics, wood, or animal horn were used to mix and store medicinal preparations. These containers kept the ingredients clean and protected them from contamination.
Cleaning Tools
Made from bone or wood, used to remove small objects or splinters from wounds. These tools were essential for cleaning wounds and preventing infections.
Tubes made from bone or wood were used to irrigate wounds with water or herbal infusions. This helped keep the wound clean and promoted healing.
Immobilization and Support
Made from wood or bone, used to immobilize broken bones and support injuries limbs. These tools helped ensure proper healing.
Plant fibers, animal hides, or woven textiles were used as bandages to support and protect injured areas. Bandages kept wounds clean and protected them from further injury.
Bloodletting and Cupping
Sharp stone or bone tools were used to make small incisions for bloodletting, a method used to treat various ailments by removing a certain amount of blood.
Bowls or cups made from horn or ceramics were used for cupping, a technique where suction was created to promote blood flow and healing.
Other Medical Tools
Used to create holes in bone or for other specific medical procedures. These tools required great skill and precision.
Used to burn herbs and create smoke as part of purification rituals or to steam wounds. Smoke from certain herbs had antiseptic properties.
Ceremonial and Spiritual Tools
Used in healing ceremonies to create a healing environment and enhance the spiritual aspect of the healing process.
Used in rituals to call upon spiritual forces for healing. These items often had deep symbolic meanings and were used to focus energy and intention.