The Haida were a warlike nation, using their superior sea craft to conduct raids along the North-West coast, they were comparable to European vikings. Their war canoes could carry up to 50 people. They used stone rings with cedar leashes that weighed up to 50 pounds to shatter enemy canoes, then retrieve it and throw again. As a result their enemies often tried to lure them onto land to fight. The Haida would have wooden and leather armor, and be carrying bows, short spears and daggers. Because of the threat of other Haida, they often fortified their villages to stop attacks. The Haida fought for wealth and war slaves to boost their population and diversity.After Europeans arrived, the Haida sunk over half a dozen sailing ships, capturing cannons and ammunition that were put to good use. The full outfit of a north coast warrior: a round wooden helmet, a bentwood visor, and a painted leather tunic over a breastplate made of interlocking wooden slats. This type of armour had its origins in the bronze age of China and Japan. Its use in the New World was limited to the west coast, but elements of the outfit, particularly wooden slat breastplates, spread as far south as California.