Mouse of India statant (Period)

The mongoose is a swift beast, famed for its ability to kill venomous serpents.  It’s described in Bossewell, 1572 [III:17v] under the names “ichneumon” and “mouse of Indie”; though no actual examples of its use have been adduced, it’s nonetheless acceptable for Society use.  Strictly speaking, the ichneumon or mouse of India (also known by the charming colloquialism of “Pharaoh’s rat”) is an Egyptian beast, known to period Europeans, while the mongoose is from India, so would be a step from period practice; in practice, the two are similar enough that both are found in Society armory.

The mongoose has no default posture; the illustration shows a mongoose (or rather, a mouse of India) statant.  For related charges, see ermine.

Ginevra da Sanfidelio bears: Quarterly sable and Or, in bend sinister a juniper branch bendwise fructed and a mongoose rampant to sinister maintaining in its mouth a serpent sable.

Abu Nur Rustam ibn Abdallah bears:  Sable, a mongoose passant regardant Or maintaining a sword proper between three increscents argent.

Davud of the Middle bears:  Per fess sable and gules, a mouse of India statant erect Or and in chief two scimitars addorsed argent.