Bactrian Terracotta Vessel Stand

Composed of mixed beads, including spherical, oblate and tubular types, the central feature a melon bead, restrung. 23.5 grams, 37.1 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. Ex London, UK, collection.

Depicted standing with head erect and prominent curving horns; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 98 grams, 96 mm (279 grams, 22.6 cm including stand)



From a private collection, since 1989. Ex West London, UK collection.

Oval in plan with a tapering drilled central socket. 360 grams, 81 mm



Ex private collection, Contessa L.G., since the 1980s. Private collection, acquired in 1999.

The mace was a close-combat weapon consisting of a short handle and a massive striking element—the head, a striking weapon capable of inflicting severe contusions and internal fractures. Although a very archaic and rather primitive weapon, the mace was nevertheless widely used in the ancient East. Its sacred and representative role was particularly significant. Due to its shape, it symbolised the owner's masculinity and was therefore one of the primary insignia of power, symbolising the inseparability of its civil, military, and sacred-magical essences—ensuring the functioning and reproduction of the collective and the conditions for its existence. This is why we so often encounter ‘ceremonial’ maces, especially those made of stone—in this case, undoubtedly a ritual material. However, it must be said that stone, as a material for a mace head, was in no way inferior to metal in terms of combat qualities, while being much more labour-intensive to manufacture, which was precisely what appealed to the ritual, symbolic role of this weapon.