The University of South Carolina Mace was designed and fashioned by Leslie Durbin, a distinguished silversmith of London, England. The brilliantly gleaming silver and gilt mace is nearly four feet long.

The head includes the seals of the university and the state of South Carolina, and the Great Seal of the United States. From the middle of the seals arises a stylistic representation of a palmetto tree. The tree fronds are formed by a group of 13 stars, representing the founding colonies that include South Carolina. The shaft’s eight stars pay homage to South Carolina being the eighth state to enter the Union.

The mace is carried in procession on occasions of outstanding importance, such as commencements, convocations, and formal dedications. The placement of the mace on its stand signals that the proceedings are about to come to order. The retirement of the mace indicates the conclusion of the exercises.