Mace of State of Nouvelle Alexandrie
 The Mace of State on display at the Museum of Wechua Antiquities; 1739 AN. | |
| Native name |
Masse d'État de Nouvelle Alexandrie Nouvelle Alexandriapa Kamachiq T'ikana |
|---|---|
| Material | Copper, bronze, hardwood |
| Size |
Length: 4.2 meters (13.8 feet) Width: 35 centimeters (14 inches) at star head |
| Weight | 180 kilograms (397 pounds) |
| Created | c. 600 AN-800 AN (estimated) |
| Period/culture | Ancient Wechua/Madland |
| Discovered | Hamland (modern Caputia) |
| Present location | Museum of Wechua Antiquities, Parap |
| Classification |
Ceremonial weapon State symbol |
The Mace of State of Nouvelle Alexandrie (Alexandrian: Masse d'État de Nouvelle Alexandrie; Wechua: Kamachiq T'ikana) is an ancient copper-headed star mace that serves as the ceremonial symbol of legislative authority for the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Measuring 4.2 meters (13.8 feet) in length and weighing approximately 180 kilograms (397 pounds), the massive artifact requires twelve bearers representing each of the Federation's Regions to transport it safely during ceremonial occasions.
Physical description
The mace consists of a heavy hardwood shaft reinforced with bronze bands and topped with an elaborate copper-and-bronze star-shaped head measuring 35 centimeters (14 inches) in diameter. The star head features six pointed rays extending from a central boss, each ray decorated with intricate geometric patterns consistent with ancient Wechua metalworking traditions. The shaft, carved from dense Keltian ironwood, tapers slightly from the head toward the base and bears ceremonial inscriptions in ancient Wechua script along its length. Archaeological analysis suggests the copper components were cast using sophisticated techniques that demonstrate advanced metallurgical knowledge for the period.
The considerable weight and dimensions of the mace reflect its focus more as a ceremonial object, a symbol of the power of early Wechua chieftains at the foot of Mount Lacara. While five bearers would theoretically suffice to carry the artifact, the traditional twelve bearers ensure safe transport while symbolically representing the unity of all regions within the Federation.
Historical significance
Scientific analysis and carbon dating have confirmed the artifact dates to approximately 600 AN-800 AN, during the ancient era when southeastern Keltia was dominated by Atterra and Caput. During the many different iterations of Wechua chieftandom in the areas around modern day Parap and Mount Lacara, the mace was lost and was later found in 1468 AN deep in Madlandian territory. Madland is the predecessor state to Alexandria. This makes it one of the few tangible links to the shared heritage between the Wechua people and the ancestors of Alexandria. The mace served as a ceremonial weapon passed through generations of tribal Wechua leaders, confirming their status as leaders of the nation and demonstrating their authority to command in both peace and war.
Following the collapse of Madland and during the subsequent period of warlordism in the Wechua Nation, the mace came into the possession of Hamland (later Caputia), where its historical significance was first recognized by archaeologists and antiquarians. Detailed study revealed the sophisticated craftsmanship and cultural symbols that established its importance as a artifact of ancient Keltian civilization.
Return and modern role
When the Wechua Nation gained independence in 1656 AN, Caputia returned the mace as a gesture of friendship in a ceremony that became a deeply meaningful moment for the Wechua people. The repatriation of this ancestral symbol represented not only the restoration of cultural heritage but also the recognition of Wechua sovereignty and the continuity of leadership traditions spanning centuries.
During the Opening of the Cortes Federales, the twelve regional bearers carefully transport the mace down the central aisle of the Federal Assembly chamber, where it is placed on a specially reinforced presentation table designed to support its weight. The placement of the mace officially commences each legislative session, symbolizing the transfer of ancient authority to modern democratic governance. The ceremony requires precise coordination among the bearers, who train specifically for this role and are selected for their physical capability and ceremonial bearing.
For the 10th Cortes Federales in 1740 AN, the twelve bearers of that session's Opening released a calendar featuring artistic photographs of themselves in various poses with ceremonial regalia, raising NAX€2.3 million for the New Alexandrian Children's Hospital Foundation. The calendar became a cultural phenomenon, generating widespread media attention and selling out within hours of release, with proceeds supporting pediatric medical equipment and research programs across the Federation.
Conservation and display
When not in ceremonial use, the artifact is displayed at the Museum of Wechua Antiquities in Parap under a perpetual lease arrangement with the Royal Household of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The museum maintains specialized conservation facilities to preserve the ancient copper and bronze components, which require careful climate control and regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.
