Narrenszepter, auch Marotten genannt, waren Attribute von Hofnarren. Sie sind eine Persiflage auf die Insignien weltlicher Macht. Das auf dem Stab angebrachte Haupt vertritt das Spiegelbild des Narren, das Ausdruck törichter Selbstgefälligkeit ist.

Fool's Scepter. Ivory, boxwood, silver, velvet, damask, silk. Fools' scepters or baubles, also called "marottes", were attributes of court jesters. They are a satire on the insignias of secular power. The head on the staff is the mirror image of the jester, the expression of foolish complacency.

Only a few examples of such "marottes" (the term probably derives from "little Mary") have survived. The carved head with hat, ass's ears and cockscomb is typical. Here the head is also beset with devil's horns. The colorful zigzag collar with bells represents the checkered garment of the fool.