Summary

This item is one of our 50 Treasures: Celebrating 50 years of James Cook University.

Professor Stephen Naylor answers the question 'Why is this significant?'

The James Cook University Mace is a fascinating object used for ceremonial purposes and to lead the academic procession into graduation events. The Mace has a rich history, initially being offered as a donation by Townsville City Council, the Townsville Chamber of Commerce and Roberts, Page, McIntyre and Jackson families acknowledging James Cook University's contribution to the region over 30 years. The discussions began in 1987 between the City Council, led by Alderman Mike Reynolds, and the Chamber under President Graham Jackson with the final presentation by new Mayor of Townsville Tony Mooney, to the Chancellor Sir George Kneipp and Vice Chancellor Ray Golding in 1991.

The development, design, production and eventual presentation of the Mace is a story steeped in history and well-collated in a small publication Symbols & Ceremonial: The Arms, Academic Dress and Mace of James Cook University 1992 by BJ Dalton. Dalton's historic narrative regarding the origins of maces provides a fascinating insight into how a weapon designed to penetrate mediaeval armour became a symbol of authority used by Monarchy, Parliament and, more recently, the University as a symbol of independence from external authority.

The Mace itself was designed by a working party that utilised information from the University of New South Wales in understanding the origins of their Mace. Ron Kenny, academic and artist, provided the original sketches of the Mace and Jane McBurnie (Hawkins), a local sculptor, interpreted the designs producing a three dimensional full-scale model. Graham Jackson, a local jeweller, assisted in seeking an appropriate silversmith to produce the substantial object. Following some initial technical difficulties, David Clayton of Brisbane was commissioned to produce the sterling silver Mace where his full repertoire of skills including bending, raising, forming and soldering were utilised in conjunction with some casting of the intricate components.

The design incorporated the head shape of the heraldic shield of James Cook University's coat of arms with nine concave ridges highlighting its weaponry origins and was crowned with a north Queensland kapok pod suggested by McBurnie. The butt of the Mace acknowledged the local Indigenous people with references to the Pineapple Nulla Nulla, or fighting stick.

The Mace has marked the auspicious occasion for thousands of James Cook University alumni in graduation ceremonies at Townsville, Cairns, Singapore and Brisbane. The ceremonial, historic and monetary value of this unique object has seen the University seek replica maces to be utilised at the main campuses, with the original Mace used for significant University events and housed within the Eddie Koiki Mabo Library in Townsville.