👉 A stating weapon, often used interchangeably with a "stating sword," is a type of weapon primarily employed for signaling, marking territory, or asserting dominance rather than for offensive combat. These weapons are typically designed to be easily recognizable and carry symbolic or territorial significance, such as a flag, a specific type of spear, or a carved emblem. They are often used in historical and cultural contexts to denote allegiance, rank, or territorial boundaries without the intent to inflict serious harm. Examples include the Roman pilum, used not only as a spear but also to mark conquered territories, and various tribal war bows or shields that signify group identity.