Edith Cowan University Ceremonial Mace
The Edith Cowan University Mace was commissioned in 2001 in readiness for the forthcoming 100th year celebrations of the University in 2002. The Centenary celebrates the founding of the university's forerunner institution, Claremont Teachers' College which was opened in1902. The design is based in the history of the eight colleges of higher education coming together as one university and the symbolism associated with a ceremonial university mace. It also reflects the essence of the new campus at Joondalup and the future of the University as a leading academic facility. Edith Cowan University is named after Australia's first female parliamentarian.
The Mace has long been the most recognizable symbol of power and authority known to mankind. It's use can be traced back to Roman Times when a bundle of rods, known as the "fasces", was borne before the Roman Magistrates as their governing symbol of power.
Later, during Medieval Times, the mace took on a more aggressive role being a weapon of war, with a large spherical end for penetrating armour and inflicting damage to warrior's bodies. It can be seen as a weapon of war in the Bayeau Tapestry which was woven in the second half of the 11th. Century.
By the 14th Century, the mace had become largely symbolic again as an object of power and authority, used by City-State leaders, and later for opening Parliament and maintaining law and order during civil ceremonies and meetings. By this time, it had lost it's war-like utilitarian function and was made of precious metals, heavily encrusted with jewels. It was a metre or more in length. The use of precious metals and jewels helped to signify "of value, dignity and respect".
Universities have traditionally used a Mace as part of their convocation ceremonies. This started with Oxford and Cambridge in England and became accepted by universities throughout Europe, American and Australia. It is the symbol that the Chancellor represents the tradition of the University and that the Chancellor is vested with the authority and the good name of the University. It is also represents that the Chancellor has the authority of the University to award degrees.
The Mace is carried by a nominated bearer, who is usually a tenured senior member of the University faculty with a PhD and he/she agrees to be the University Marshal on an on-going basis. This position should be one of responsibility and is an honour for the chosen person.
The Mace Bearer is the Warden of Convocation and carries the Mace before the Chancellor on all ceremonial occasions over which the Chancellor presides. When carried it should be carried across the chest of the Mace Bearer with the right hand high, the left hand low. When the Chancellor is seated, the Mace rests horizontally before him/her, usually with the crown (top) to his/her right hand.
THE EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY MACE has been designed to incorporate symbolism specific to the institution.
At the foot of the Mace is a sphere decorated with the eight crests of the former colleges: Claremont Teachers College, Graylands Teachers College, Western Australian Secondary Teachers College, Mount Lawley Teachers College, Churchlands Teachers College, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Western Australian College of Advanced Education (Metropolitan), Western Australian College of Advanced Education (Bunbury).
Holding the sphere is four kangaroo paws, representing the natural resources of the State and to be complimentary to the specially designed ceremonial robes, as worn by senior faculty members. These kangaroo paws are attached to a finial of silver which culminates with the traditional orb used to summons order and gain entry into closed doors (as in parliament and/or the city-state).
The head of the Mace has broken with tradition to become the symbol of the future and the new campus at Joondalup. The sweeping cone-like structure is bold, soaring up-wards, it reflects the architecture of the new administration building. This section incorporates the modern Edith Cowan University icons of waves and the Southern Cross. The form is capped with the sunburst and flame. This modern iconology represents the true spirit of the new Edith Cowan University: a "melting pot" of a new and vigorous community of people from many different backgrounds: non traditional, free, fresh, spirited and young.
