Ceremonial furnishings & mace

Ceremonial furnishings

The Chancellor’s chair and ceremonial furnishings used at convocation are the generous gift of the late Dr. Michael C. Williams. They constitute five magnificent works of art, created through a collaboration among twelve West Coast artists. The furnishings were completed in 1994. Their style and imagery draw on the myths and artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast Aboriginal nations, home communities to many University of Victoria students.

The kneeling stool was created by Roberta Louis, weaver, and Susan Point, carver, both Coast Salish of the Musqueam Band, with artist Glen Tallio (Nuxalk).

The Chancellor's chair was created by Carvers Art Thompson (Nuu-chah-nulth), Calvin Hunt (Kwagiulth), Norman Tait (Nisga’a), John Livingston (adopted Kwagiulth), and Don Yeomans (Haida) collaborated with weavers Ann Smith (Tutchone-Tlingit) and Cheryl Samuel (adopted Tlingit).

The Chief Speaker’s staff was designed and carved by Kwagiulth artist, Richard Hunt.

The raven lectern is also the work of John Livingston.

The kneeling figure mace stand was sculpted by Tom Hunt (Kwagiulth).

Mace

In early times, the mace was a large spiked metal ball on a chain and was used not only to recognize people of rank and authority at an assembly but also to protect them. Today, the university mace symbolizes the Chancellor’s authority to confer degrees.

The mace is placed in its cradle in front of the Chancellor’s position on the platform. As presiding officer, the Chancellor steps forward to declare, “The convocation is duly assembled for the granting of degrees.” The mace remains in place for the duration of the ceremony.

The mace was created by Jefferies Silversmiths, a local company. The shaft is made from Douglas fir, and the weighted head (reminiscent of the weapon of old) is of silver over copper. The head is encircled by dogwood blossoms, with a raised hand holding a lighted torch above. The coat of arms is engraved on the side of the head.

The university mace was a gift from the Victoria College graduating class of 1961 to commemorate the first convocation held at the Gordon Head campus.