The insignia are symbols of continuity, responsibility, and honor. At the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology of the University of South Bohemia, the newly created insignia build upon a centuries-old academic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In that era, maces and chains symbolized the autonomy of universities, which was granted directly by monarchs. Today, these symbols continue to express the dignity and prestige of the faculty – and on ceremonial occasions such as matriculations and graduations, they serve as reminders of the academic commitment and the journey undertaken by both students and academics.

The dean’s mace traditionally precedes the dean, carried by the bedel during ceremonies – and remains a living part of academic ritual today. The new insignia, however, go beyond visual impressiveness; they carry a deeper message. Created with respect for tradition and a clear reference to the faculty’s current values, they symbolize the connection between nature and technology, sustainability, and innovation.

The choice of materials is intentional. Dozens of synthetic rubies and emeralds, cut in a diamond style and set into the mace and chains, emphasize the ceremonial character of the insignia. These are not mere imitations – although man-made, their chemical and physical properties are identical to those of natural gemstones. Like the faculty itself, they unite nature with human ingenuity.

The symbolism of the new insignia is based on two key motifs: the egg and the tree.

• The egg represents life, fertility, and renewal. It is also a perfect structure: light, strong, and efficient. It has inspired both evolution and modern engineering. Its shape finds application in aerodynamics and design, and as a metaphor of birth, it refers to the continuous cycle of learning and knowledge.
• The tree, stylized to resemble both a natural form and a printed circuit board, is a symbol of connection. Its roots, trunk, and crown express the linking of past, present, and future – just as they express the union of technology and nature embodied by the faculty.

The dean’s mace was crafted from brass and an alloy of zinc and tin, and then fully gold-plated. The egg-shaped head is mounted on a base that evokes both natural and technical structures. The shaft of the mace features a stylized DNA strand – a symbol of scientific knowledge and life. The surface is adorned with dozens of synthetic gemstones.

The chains with medallions – known as catenae – were cast from a zinc-tin alloy and gold-plated. The medallions bear a stylized tree set with emeralds and rubies, representing leaves and fruits. These stones are also embedded into the individual links of the chain.

The new insignia of the Faculty of Agriculture and Technology are not mere decorations – they are an embodiment of academic honor, vision, and identity. They represent a legacy of the past that inspires our future.