Seven-Flanged Mace
Unknown Artist
c. 1540–50
Medium
gilded russet steel; with chiseled foliate decoration
Dimensions
h. 64.5 cm · head: w. 11.4 cm, l. 16.2 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.1589
About this artwork
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.