Europe, Belgium, East Flanders, Ninove, late Medieval, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A lead alloy pilgrim badge depicting the holy pope Cornelius, also known as Saint Cornelius of Ninove who stands with a petite pilgrim at his feet. St. Cornelius wears the papal tiara upon his head, holds his crossed staff (crux hastata) in one hand and a horn in the other. Cornelius was the patron saint of cattle, and the horn signifies this. Interestingly, the horn also serves as a play on his name, because the Latin word "cornu" actually means horn. Cornelius’ reliquary could be visited by pilgrims at the Flemish abbey of Ninove, near Geraardsbergen. Size: 1.625" W x 3.5" H (4.1 cm x 8.9 cm)
People of the Middle Ages went on pilgrimages to the tomb of a saint, or a site where relics of a saint(s) were venerated. The pilgrim might pray at a shrine in order to thank the saint for miraculous healing or cure. However, for some the journey itself was a means of purification. In addition to voluntary pilgrimages, some pilgrimages were a form of punishment imposed by the courts or the Church. A person might have been ordered to make a pilgrimage to Rome for example, remain there for several years, and bring back some evidence like a pilgrim badge. Besides wearing a voluminous cloak (the pelerine) and a large hat with a wide brim, carrying a wooden pilgrim’s staff, a scrip (a pilgrim's flask) and a rosary, the most important signs of a pilgrim were the petite pewter pilgrims' badges he pinned to his hat, scrip, or cloak. At every pilgrimage site, a pilgrim could acquire a pilgrims' badge sold as a consecrated souvenir of the sacred place, just as they can do this today.
Reference: H.J.E. van Beuningen, 'Heilig en Profaan, 1000 laat-Middeleeuwse insignes', p. 151, afb. 152-154
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000; accompanied by ATS Bullion Ltd., London, UK tag
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#160269
Condition
Expected bending/indentations and minute losses to peripheries commensurate with age. A few areas of soldering on verso look newer, indicating repairs that are stable. Nice age patina.