{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.ceremonial-mace","code":"thing-q2432431","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q2432431/","name":"ceremonial mace","alternateNames":[],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"A ceremonial mace is a staff, typically with an enlarged ornamental head, derived from the fighting mace and carried or displayed as an emblem of institutional authority in formal proceedings.","purpose":"Enable an agent to recognise a ceremonial mace, assess its physical and ceremonial readiness, and determine its permitted handling, display and use.","scope":{"in":["Mace form, components, materials and identifying decoration","Institutional designation and the authority the mace represents","Provenance, authenticity and original, replacement or replica status","Carrying, positioning, presentation and storage requirements","Physical condition and eligibility for ceremonial use"],"out":["Combat maces primarily intended as weapons","Sceptres, staffs of office and other separately recognised insignia","The institution's constitution, powers and organisational structure","The complete ceremony or proceedings in which the mace appears","The bearer's occupation, appointment and general duties"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["Recognition as a ceremonial mace requires evidence of designation or established use; resemblance to a mace alone is insufficient.","A shaft and differentiated head provide a candidate form, while institutional terminology and use distinguish it from a sceptre or staff of office.","Its documented ceremonial role concerns representing authority or office; a combat mace requires separate evidence of ceremonial adoption.","Official insignia, authorised replicas and decorative imitations may share a form but differ in provenance and permission to perform the ceremonial role."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"identity-and-standing","name":"Identity and standing","description":"Establishes which ceremonial mace an object is and the standing under which it is recognised.","layers":[{"id":"designation-and-boundary","name":"Designation and boundary","description":"Separates ceremonial maces from neighbouring insignia and weapons.","findings":[{"id":"basis-of-recognition","name":"Basis of recognition","description":"Records the evidence for treating the object as a ceremonial mace.","questions":[{"text":"What institution, catalogue or documented practice identifies this object as a ceremonial mace?","id":"basis-of-recognition-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What distinguishes its designated role from that of a sceptre, staff of office or combat mace?","id":"basis-of-recognition-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"provenance-and-versions","name":"Provenance and versions","description":"Tracks the object's history and relationship to originals, replacements and replicas.","findings":[{"id":"identity-through-change","name":"Identity through change","description":"Connects commissioning, alterations and substitutions to the mace's present identity.","questions":[{"text":"Which records establish its maker, commissioning, acquisition and subsequent alterations?","id":"identity-through-change-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Is it an original, replacement or replica, and what evidence establishes that standing?","id":"identity-through-change-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]},{"id":"authority-and-symbolism","name":"Authority and symbolism","description":"Connects institutional recognition and visible devices to their documented meanings.","layers":[{"id":"institutional-mandate","name":"Institutional mandate","description":"Identifies the office or authority represented and the limits of that representation.","findings":[{"id":"represented-office","name":"Represented office","description":"Records the relationship between the mace and its recognising institution.","questions":[{"text":"Whose authority or office does this mace represent, according to which institutional record?","id":"represented-office-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which rules, if any, give its presence or absence a procedural consequence?","id":"represented-office-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"devices-and-inscriptions","name":"Devices and inscriptions","description":"Separates observed decoration from supported interpretation.","findings":[{"id":"symbolic-identifiers","name":"Symbolic identifiers","description":"Records heraldry, emblems and text that identify or explain this mace.","questions":[{"text":"Which arms, emblems, inscriptions and marks appear on the mace, and where?","id":"symbolic-identifiers-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which sources explain their meanings and establish whether any were changed or added later?","id":"symbolic-identifiers-q02","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]},{"id":"form-and-preservation","name":"Form and preservation","description":"Describes the mace's construction and the physical limits on carrying, mounting and care.","layers":[{"id":"construction-and-balance","name":"Construction and balance","description":"Records geometry, materials and assembly relevant to handling.","findings":[{"id":"carrying-geometry","name":"Carrying geometry","description":"Relates dimensions and weight distribution to usable grips and supports.","questions":[{"text":"What are the mace's length, head width, mass and balance point, with measurement references recorded?","id":"carrying-geometry-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"How are the head, shaft and decorative components joined, and which areas are approved for gripping or support?","id":"carrying-geometry-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"condition-and-care","name":"Condition and care","description":"Identifies deterioration that affects ceremonial movement or preservation.","findings":[{"id":"fitness-for-movement","name":"Fitness for movement","description":"Connects condition observations to carrying, mounting and treatment decisions.","questions":[{"text":"Are the head and shaft secure, and are any projections, finishes or decorative attachments loose or damaged?","id":"fitness-for-movement-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which observed defects require withdrawal from carrying, revised supports or conservator assessment?","id":"fitness-for-movement-q02","kind":"action"},{"text":"What approved cleaning and storage instructions apply to its particular materials and finishes?","id":"fitness-for-movement-q03","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"ceremonial-use-and-custody","name":"Ceremonial use and custody","description":"Defines authorised deployment, positioning and custody for the mace.","layers":[{"id":"deployment-protocol","name":"Deployment protocol","description":"Records when and how the mace is carried, presented, positioned and removed.","findings":[{"id":"ceremonial-sequence","name":"Ceremonial sequence","description":"Connects the mace's position and movement to a named ceremony.","questions":[{"text":"For this ceremony, who may carry the mace, and what orientation, route and placement are prescribed?","id":"ceremonial-sequence-q01","kind":"action"},{"text":"What events authorise its introduction, repositioning and removal, and which protocol establishes these actions?","id":"ceremonial-sequence-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"release-and-return","name":"Release and return","description":"Controls movement from secure custody into ceremonial use and back.","findings":[{"id":"authorised-handover","name":"Authorised handover","description":"Records custody and readiness checks surrounding each deployment.","questions":[{"text":"Who may release and receive this mace, and what identity and condition checks accompany each handover?","id":"authorised-handover-q01","kind":"action"},{"text":"If this mace is unavailable or unfit to carry, who can authorise a substitute or a change to the ceremony?","id":"authorised-handover-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-confidence-notes","name":"Check these first","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these check these first hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-confidence-notes-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-kinds","name":"Kinds and varieties","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-kinds-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation","name":"Standards and regulation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these standards and regulation hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-standards-and-regulation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-regional-variation","name":"Regional variation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-regional-variation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of ceremonial mace this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Describe a ceremonial mace, its history and its role in proceedings from institutional sources.","Catalogue and record the condition of maces held in collections."],"mustNot":["Move, handle or display an institution's mace without its custodian's permission.","Mock or disrupt the ceremony in which a mace is carried.","Present a replica as an institution's original mace."],"requiresHuman":["Lending, restoring or moving a mace that belongs to a legislature, city or university."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["A mace stands for the authority of an assembly; seizing it is treated as a serious affront.","Many maces are valuable heritage objects that can be damaged by careless handling."],"affectedParties":["The institution that holds it","Members of that institution","The public it represents"]},"owners":{"steward":"The custodian named by the institution, such as a serjeant-at-arms or bedel.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q15097957","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"},{"target":"Q250902","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.ceremonial-mace","Wikidata: Q2432431 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2432431)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Institutional designation: Recognising institution or office, designation evidence and applicable dates","Represented authority: Authority or office represented, with documented interpretation","Object standing: Original insignia; replacement insignia; authorised replica; decorative reproduction; unresolved","Overall dimensions: Length and maximum head width in mm","Mass and balance: Mass in kg; balance point in mm from a specified shaft end","Component construction: Recorded materials, finishes and attachment methods for shaft, head and other components","Identifying devices: Observed heraldry, emblems, inscriptions, marks and their locations","Ceremonial eligibility: Approved; restricted; withdrawn; undetermined, for a named ceremony and date","Structural and surface condition: Recorded joint security, deformation, cracking, corrosion, finish loss and loose decoration","Authorised bearer and custodian: Roles or persons authorised to carry, release, receive or store the mace"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["A long ornamented staff, often of silver or gilt, with an enlarged crowned or decorated head.","Carried upright before officials or laid on a table during sittings."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Identify a candidate mace against its form, marks and institutional records.","Determine whether a particular mace or replica is authorised for a specified ceremony.","Prepare carrying and mounting instructions from documented protocol and physical constraints.","Check ceremonial readiness and flag conditions requiring withdrawal or specialist assessment.","Record custody transfers, ceremonial deployment and return to storage."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["Precious metal and age make it a target for theft and prone to damage."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"not-applicable","items":[]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["A ceremonial mace is carried or displayed during parliamentary, municipal and academic ceremonies as an emblem of institutional authority.","Its placement and handling follow the customs of the institution, and some institutions use its presence to signify that proceedings are formally constituted."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q2432431: ceremonial mace","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2432431","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Ceremonial mace","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremonial_mace","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["Which documented traditions must the model cover, and how do their boundaries between mace, sceptre and staff of office differ?","For each recognising institution, does mace presence have a formal procedural effect or a symbolic role only?","What evidence is sufficient to distinguish an authorised replica from a decorative reproduction when commissioning records are missing?","Which object-specific handling limits and withdrawal criteria have been established by custodians or conservators?","How should institutional continuity be recorded when a mace is substantially rebuilt, replaced or transferred to another institution?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q2432431/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q2432431/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-12T08:31:35Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"not-applicable","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:29+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass","interaction.interfaces":"No generally applicable standard or official classification governs ceremonial maces as such, and ceremonial requirements depend on the institution."},"score":1.0}}