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Queen’s Ceremonial Mace
The 24ct gold Mace of Queen’s University is encrusted with gemstones and beautiful relief statuettes of the symbols of Ireland.
It was presented in 1909 when it changed from being a college to a university and has become one of the leading symbols of Queen’s.
Look carefully and you’ll find a shamrock, a harp and a Red Hand of Ulster. These are symbols that have been appropriated by sectarian groups and are no longer symbols of unity, but are often the hallmarks of division.
A mace was originally a weapon intended to prevail over an armoured adversary. As long-range weapons were developed, such as the musket and the longbow, the mace was relegated to a ceremonial role.
The Esquire Bedell bears the mace in Queen’s academic procession. He or she leads the chancellor or vice-chancellor into the ceremony and puts the mace on a stand on the stage, which is the cue for members of the academic procession to remove their head dress. The Esquire Bedell also looks after the honorary graduates, leading him or her out at the end of the ceremony. The mace is always present during the conferring of degrees.
Presenter Jules Hudson says: "I am extremely privileged to be holding in my hands the most unique symbol of all the people of Ireland. A beautiful and powerful object whose origins lie in war but now represents the quest for knowledge and self-improvement."
Where can it be found? Queen's University, Belfast.
Shân McAnena, curator, says: "A single object is not going to change the world but I think it is a good symbol for it."
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