A LARGE PARCEL-GILT SILVER CEREMONIAL MACE (SOONTA) Deccan or North India, mid to late 19th century Of tapering cylindrical shape, the top finial naturalistically designed as a large horse head, the eyes and floral-shaped harnesses encrusted with garnets, the thick mane and heavy necklaces suggesting a ceremonial occurrence, the central shaft densely decorated with chased chevron design and parcel-gilt floral medallions with vegetal sprays and rosettes, the bottom finial in the shape of a chevroned knob, 67cm high.