Stone headed Mace from Bukhara

Stone headed Mace from Bukhara.  This mace is a rare example of a type known to come specifically from Bukhara, examples of which were brought back from the Emirate by Danish collectors and explorers in the 19th century. They follow a form similar to Persian maces, an all steel example is shown on this site. The stone used here for the head is white and semi-translucent, its semi precious and and fragility support the idea that these were used as insignia of rank pieces, which would also explain their relative scarcity. The mounts are of silver with some engraved decoration. The haft is of wood, which retains a coating of ochre coloured paint or lac, worn off from handling around the grip area. An original elaborate chain of silver links survives to be used as a lanyard around the wrist. A most interesting and unusual collectors piece. Overall length 87 cms