19th c. Spanish Colonial Silver Vara Cane Handle

This is a rare and beautiful silver cane or staff handle that would have been attached to a chonta wood cane at one time. Vara Canes were presented to new colonial governors in the "new world" and served as a symbol of authority. Used in both Spanish colonial and indigenous ceremonies and festivities, the pueblo varas were the first canes brought to Latin America. This beautiful handle is formed from high content silver and engraved with traditional Spanish colonial designs including a representation of the caped owner of the cane, the symbolic Christian corona, and the deeply engraved cross, showing the melding of church and state in the new world - a beautiful treasure!

Measurement:     3" high, top diameter approx. 1 1/3", 48.2 grams

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