Bunchuk
Bunchuk
(Turkic). (1) A staff (up to 2.5 m) with a ball or point on the upper end, horsehair braids, and two silver tassels. The bunchuk was adopted by Poland from Turkey, where it was a symbol of the pasha’s authority and title (under the name tuğ kugat). It was Cossack army regalia and a symbol of the ataman’s or hetman’s authority in the Ukraine and Poland. In 1576 it was presented for the first time by the Polish king to the Zaporozh’e host, along with a mace and banner. In the 18th century it was conferred by the government along with other regalia.
(2) An ornament or noise instrument in large military orchestras.