Tlaxich (MH488r)

The barbs distinguish this arrow from most of the arrows called mitl and acatl. At least one example of a mitl, however, does have barbs on the point (see below). Crossbows were introduced into Mesoamerica by Europeans. Some of them fell into Native hands during battles, along with swords, harquebuses, cannon, metal armor, etc. But even when these weapons were not captured and turned on the invaders, the Nahuas were interested in learning about them and the technology they represented. Still, this could be simply another Indigenous type of arrow. The mitl, for example, is a common one. The label of "crossbow arrow" comes from the translation by Alonso de Molina, so further research may be required to be sure that he was correct.