Vexilloid

American vexillologist Whitney Smith coined the term vexilloid in 1958, defining it as An object which functions as a flag but differs from it in some respect, usually appearance.

Vexilloids are characteristic of traditional societies and often consist of a staff with an emblem, such as a carved animal, at the top.This includes vexilla, banderoles, pennons, streamers, heraldic flags, standards, and gonfalons.

[2] 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.

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.

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.