Iron mace

Description

Small faceted maces were mostly used by chieftains and commanders as a symbol of power. Although weapons in their own right it is theorized that they might have been mostly used as a mark of the leader on the battlefield and for disciplining disobedient soldiers.

Unlike many that were made from bronze or brass, this example from the Siksälä cemetery is made of iron. It belongs to the 13th century and is a find from one of the richest graves, a burial of a young man containing many expensive grave goods.

Additional information