Ceremonial Mace (chob)
Wood overlaid with mother-of-pearl; copper handle and finial
Mughal
c.1600
Museum no. IM.228-1927
Bequeathed by the Marquess Curzon of Kedleston

This imposing mace would have been made for ceremonial use rather than as a weapon. Similar maces are shown in Mughal paintings, carried by court attendants as badges of office and also used to control people's access to the emperor. This one, however, is so large and heavy that it would probably have been carried on the shoulder of an attendant and not used. Mother-of-pearl decoration was the speciality of Gujarati craftsmen, who used it both in inlay and as plaques over a wooden base.