A vexilloid is any flag-like object used by countries, organisations, or individuals as a form of representation other than flags. American vexillologistWhitney Smith coined the term vexilloid in 1958, defining it as This includes vexilla, banderoles, pennons, streamers, heraldic flags, standards, and gonfalons. The first most primitive proto-vexilloids may have been simply pieces of cloth dipped in the blood of a defeated enemy in pre-historic times, and the precursors of all later vexilloids and flags. The use of flags replaced the use of vexilloids for general purposes during late medieval times between about 1100 to about 1400. However, vexilloids still remain in use for specialised purposes, such as for some military units or to symbolise various organisations such as fraternal organisation in street parades.
History
Vexilloids originally started as a staff of office for leaders of groups, such as tribes, and were also used as a visible sign to rally around or point to a direction of attack. They were originally made of wood, horns, tails, hooves, and skins of animals, with other ornaments being made of carved and painted wood or metal. Aztec vexilloids composed of green quetzal feathers, metals such as gold, and precious stones. Modern vexilloids used by tribes of New Guinea are made of wood, dried grass and feathers, and emblems painted on wood, feathers, and cloth. The oldest known vexilloids appear as depictions on Egyptian pottery from the Gerzeh culture and on the reverse of the Narmer Palette. These vexilloids were symbols of the nomes of pre-dynastic Egypt. The oldest surviving vexilloid was carried in Persia around 5,000 years ago. It consists of a metal staff topped with an eagle, and a square of metal covered with reliefs. Two vexilloids are depicted on the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin. In Alaca Höyük, archaeologists have discovered Hittite vexilloids dating from c.2400-2200 BCE, having finials depicting bulls, stags, as well as abstract forms often interpreted as solar symbols. Ancient Romans adopted the use of vexilloids, as well as their eagle emblem, from the Persians. The standards of Roman legions consisted of a lance with a silver-plated shaft, topped with a crosspiece carrying figures of various beasts, the most important being the eagle. Attached to the shaft were several metal rings which took the form of laurel wreaths and medallions with images of gods, the Emperor, and members of the Imperial House. Ancient Mongolians also used vexilloids in the form of a staff topped with a metal ball or spearhead, with a horse's tail attached to it. This vexilloid, called a tug, spread among Turkish people and became military symbols in Turkish forces. In the 17th and 18th centuries they were carried before commanders-in-chief of the Polish Army.
The vexilloid of Ancient Carthage most probably consisted of a spear with a disk and crescent, symbolising the god Baal and the goddess Tanit.
The vexillum of Ancient Rome, shown at the top right of this article, displayed the slogan S·P·Q·R, "The Roman Senate and People," in gold on a field of crimson.
The vexilloid of the Mongol Empire, the "Yöson Khölt tsagaan tug" or the "Nine Base White Banners", was composed of nine flag poles decorated with nine off-whitehorse tail hairs hanging from a round surface with a flame or trident-like shape on the top at the centre. The Nine White Banners was a peacetime emblem used by the Khan in front of his yurt. The war flag of the Mongol Empire was the same as the banner at right, except the horse tails were off-black instead of off-white as they were cut from black instead of white horses.
In Nazi Germany, also referred to as the Third Reich, the SS used vexilloids which they marched with in street parades and at the Nuremberg rallies. These vexilloids were topped with an eagle and a swastika and with the name of the particular locale of the SS contingent carrying the vexilloids. Inscribed on them was the slogan Deutschland Erwache, which means Germany Awake.
