Vintage Carved Wood CaduceusVintage carved wood caduceus, everlasting life physicians staff of Hermes 19x15 hanger on back The caduceus is the traditional symbol of Hermes and features two snakes winding around an often winged staff. It is often mistakenly used as a symbol of medicine instead of the Rod of Asclepius , especially in the United States. The two snake caduceus design has ancient and consistent associations with commerce, eloquence, trickery, and negotiation.