Village mayor’s stick

A walking stick is now an object most commonly used to support oneself while walking (see E/36/ML). However, since ancient times it has been a symbol of power and dignity, an insignia of position and dominion. It took various shapes and sizes. A shepherd's staff, strongly curved at the top, with time became a bishop's crook. Another short with a large knob, called a mace or mace-dangle, was an emblem of hetman's power. A small walking stick with a stylised flower in place of the knob acquired the dignity of a royal sceptre. A tall staff with a large knob became the emblem of doorkeepers, while a tall one with a small head symbolised the dignity of grand marshals, court marshals, crown marshals, Sejm marshals and tribunal marshals.

Depending on the position held by the owner, it also differed in decoration. The higher the position, the more magnificent and beautifully decorated it was. Sometimes looking like an inconspicuous, thick and knotted knuckle with a kind of knob on top, it was also a sign of office and its holding, like this alderman's staff. Dated 1780, it was an indication of the prestige of the reeve, the one who leads his subordinates, takes care of the customs and morals of the community and respects the observance of established norms.