the mace-head is well formed, it seems to be made out of solid block with each flange cut out identical. Over-all construction is good but sloppy in some details compared to photo. Women’s Medieval & Renaissance Footwear.These maces are still used during graduation amongst other important ceremonies, further intertwining the importance of tradition in our lives here at St Andrews. Shop all our functional and decorative maces here, in many styles inspired by history and different cultures of Europe. They connect us with the past, with the 600 plus years of students that have come before us. These medieval weapons are ideal for reenactments. While it might seem as if some Medieval Maces kept by the University are not relevant, they are. I was surprised with the elaborateness and how unique each one is. The Historical Adventure of Turkish War Helmets. Take time with this commission of Bishop Kennedy. Turkish bows, archery equipment, shields and many medieval weapons and clothes, costumes and re-enact history. In particular, the St Salvator’s Mace made by Johne Maiel in 1461 has a complexity in the various figures and the architectural structure of the open shrine. This level of detail in mace heads is really impressive to me. Each has its own story and intricate details. The three are of the Faculty of Arts, St Salvator’s College, and Faculty of Common Law. These maces “had to be beautiful and impressive: it represents the University, its internal authority over its members and its independence from external control”.2 Those of St Andrews are certainly that. Capable of delivering deadly blows, these bludgeoning weapons were primarily used by foot soldiers. Cheap to make and simple to use, they were used as a close contact weapon both on foot and horseback. Other universities such as Heidelberg, Tubingen, Berlin, Basel and Glasgow each have their own maces from the 14th and 15th centuries. Maces were crucial in the fight against an armored knight. The three maces owned by the university, represents the strength of the university as well as its position as a medieval institute of education. Rather, they are more of a ceremonial tool. Traditionally, medieval maces were weapons, “with a heavy head, sometimes with tangled or knobbed additions, on the end of the handle”. While those owned by the University do fall into this category they are far from the crude wooden weapon used to bludgeon others in combat. These 15th century metalworks, are intricate symbols of the authority of the University. They are categorized into either melee (swords, maces, etc), ranged (bows & crossbows), or siege (battering ram). Villagers can be assigned weapons to deal damage to wildlife and more importantly, raiders. They are also dropped from slaughtered raiders. When looking around the first gallery, it is hard to miss the medieval maces. Weapons are crafted at the Blacksmiths Forge, the Bowyers Table, and the Woodwork Bench. Yet, you might ask how does this relate to art history? While there is a descriptive history of University from foundation to its more modern developments, there is also an assortment of artifacts taken from the University’s collection. It has a detailed history of all things relating to our University. There is no admission charge so there is no reason not to go. Located on the Scores, MUSA is incredibly accessible. However, when I went into the Museum of the University of St Andrews I realized that it is the traditions and history of St Andrews that makes it such a special place to study. To be honest, I did not really find a need to know much more about the University. While many of us have been told about these admittedly strange but wonderful traditions at one point or another, there is much left unknown. Yet, how much do you know about them?Why does May Dip happen? The Pier Walk? Or even, why do we wear the red academic robes? It is a weapon of a relatively simple design and evolved from the club, which is considered to be the simplest, and perhaps even the first form, of weaponry. From walking around the PH to Raisin Weekend, these practices make St Andrews what it is. The mace is a type of blunt weapon that was popular for close combat, especially during the medieval period. As students, we not only encounter this but also continue many rich traditions. Around every corner there is apiece of some bit of the centuries past. Our little city of St Andrews has so much history.
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