caduceus

The staff of Hermes/Mercury as messenger of the gods, but also of heralds in general. It is a short staff with two serpents who face each other above the top, sometimes surmounted by wings. It is a symbol of trade and commerce, although it is often misused as a symbol of medicine, instead of the correct Rod of Asclepius, which consists of a single serpent entwined around a staff.

The name come from Doric Greek κηρύκειον (kērykeion), "herald's staff."

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