Ceremonial ‘Choba’ Mace

The ‘choba’ mace, also known as the ‘soonta’ scepter, was used in India during ceremonial processions and court parades as a symbol of authority and royal dignity. Such maces were carried before high-ranking rulers, including Maharajas, to emphasize their status and sovereign power. Within the ceremonial hierarchy of the court, this was a prestigious role reserved for selected attendants. In the Indian context, the mace also carried strong symbolic meaning, as it was associated with power and divine authority. For that reason, it appears in Hindu iconography and is linked to deities such as Hanuman, Vishnu, and Krishna. This particular example is made of silver-plated copper and has a twisted shaft surmounted by a lion’s head with an open mouth and protruding tongue. The mane is finely worked, and the lion wears a collar and bears a shield at the back of the head. These details reflect Anglo-Indian ceremonial taste of the 19th century, and the piece can therefore be dated to the second half of the 19th century. Display stand included.