Seven-Flanged Mace

c. 1540–50

The mace was primarily a weapon for mounted warriors in both actual combat and courtly contests. For this reason it was regarded as a knightly weapon. Arming oneself with a mace had gradually taken on significance among the nobility and commanding officers. It eventually came to be considered a badge of rank, to be carried by its owner in parades and other ceremonial occasions, as this decorated example certainly was.

Date

c. 1540–50

Medium

gilded russet steel; with chiseled foliate decoration

Culture

Italy (?), 16th century

Dimensions

Overall: 64.5 cm (25 3/8 in.); Head: 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)

Credit

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance

Open-access artwork courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Art. Mooseium is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution.