PILGRIM BADGE 854666

Description: A late medieval to post-medieval (1400-1600) copper alloy pilgrim badge or pendant probably depicting the bearded head of St. John the Baptist on a charger (large serving plate). The edges of the object appear to be clipped. The rim is decorated with V-shaped grooves, the area inside the Vs being further decorated with diagonal incised lines. The central circular area is dished, the moulded head sitting within it. The head has prominent forehead, nose, eyes and cheeks, with long flowing hair and a long beard. Directly above the top of the head, in the rim, is a 1.2mm diameter piercing. To the reverse of the object the central circular area within the rim is raised, as one might expect to see on the reverse of a plate. The object measures 18.3x16.5mm in 'diameter', is 3.2mm thick and weighs 2.65g. Several different forms of St. John pilgrim badges, some perhaps originating from the shrine at Amiens, are illustrated by Michael Lewis (2014, 145 - 148). "Over-large, protruding eyes" are a feature of pilgrim badges, which Brian Spencer suggests might betray roots in the "popular belief that a saint with a menacing look and with huge, staring eyes, would give better protection against infections and other ailments by repelling evil spirits". Similar objects on the database are KENT-E18875, BH-C45F1B, LON-BDFC73 and HAMP-34D794. However the design on this piece can also be compared to a common form of 16th century hooked tag (Lewis, 2014; 145 and PAS record CAM-739B37).

Date: 1400 - 1600

Object type: PILGRIM BADGE

Last import: August 15, 2017