TWO CEREMONIAL SILVER GILT MACES WITH ORIGINAL CASES

PROBABLY DECCAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

TWO CEREMONIAL SILVER GILT MACES WITH ORIGINAL CASES
PROBABLY DECCAN, LATE 18TH CENTURY
The thick silver sheet chased and embossed, the handle with spirals alternating with spiralling floral bands, the top with stylized tiger's head above a row of acanthus leaves, one with bulbous knop at end, with red quilted cloth cases
Each 31¼in. (79.5cm.) approx. (2)

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Lot Essay

Similar maces of office are in the Wallace Collection (Mughal Silver Magnificence (XVI-XIXth C.), exhibition catalogue, London, 1987, cat.43, p.64). Called soonta or souta, they were part of the ceremonial regalia and were carried by a court dignitary, the Soonta Berdar. This official function, together with that of Ceremonial staff of office Bearer (chodbar), was one of the most important in princely courts in India. Staves and maces were always made in pairs.

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