macehead

9.8

The heavy top part of a mace used to hit people or show power in ceremonies

noun
/ˈmeɪsˌhɛd/

: cabeza de maza

During the ceremonial event, the leader held the macehead high to symbolize authority and strength to the gathered crowd.

Examples

PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Figure 5. Drawing of decorated star-shaped macehead from Rogaland County (after Bakka 1973, 173, fig. 12).

Academic text (2000)
In the Neolithic period, an association between snake and woman is indicated both in rock art and on decorated maceheads.

Academic text (2000)
The maceheads are thought to be weights for digging sticks; they may also have been used by women in food collecting (Vinsrygg 1979, 1987).

Academic text (2000)
Such interaction is supported by the discovery at Hasanlu IVB of the macehead of Assuruballit, mentioned above, as well as several cylinder seals carved with scenes of animals in a landscape setting that best match Middle Assyrian seal designs.

Academic text (1991)
In this hypothesis, the glass vessels and the bowl of Kadashman-Enlil could have both been brought to Hasanlu in period IVB as heirlooms from Assyria, perhaps even together with the macehead of Assur-uballit.

Academic text (1991)
The archaeologists discovered a beautifully crafted macehead that featured intricate designs and represented the power of the ancient rulers.
In ancient times, warriors often used a heavy macehead to strike their opponents in battle, making it a feared weapon.

Surface Forms

macehead singular

maceheads plural

Morphology

macehead = mace + head (transparent) = mace + head

A straightforward compound 'mace' + 'head' meaning the top or striking part of a mace; learners who know both components should understand it.

Etymology

The word macehead comes from mace, a heavy club or ceremonial staff, and head, which means 'top' or 'end'. So the macehead is the heavy top used for hitting in battle or as a symbol of office.