A simple weapon in the form of a wooden club provided with a metal or stone head at the end has been known since antiquity. In Eastern milieu, this weapon very quickly become also a symbol of power, which was probably due to the emblematic role of the clubs. It is likely that as a result of Rus influence, that maces also reached medieval Poland. Based on the finds, it seems that it could have been used by all social classes. From the 15th century onwards, it was referred to by a term of Tartar or Turkish origin - bulava. From the 16th century, mace was a symbol of dignity of the hetman's power, and its military function was reduced. Only hetmans were allowed to use maces, hence the hetman's office was referred to as a buława. To carry a mace (buława) meant to lead an army.
However, did the post-medieval highly prestigious function of buława in Poland have its roots in the Middle Ages, as in other European states? Possible origins and circumstances will be analysed.
