Scratching the itch: how crude backscratchers turned into decorative ‘Ruyi’ sceptres symbolizing authority and power in ancient China

Abstract

We briefly describe and comment on the astonishing cultural evolution of crude backscratchers into ceremonial ‘Ruyi’ sceptres symbolizing authority and power in ancient China. Other aspects of scratching or being scratched in the context of hierarchical order observed in humans and primates are also mentioned.