Europe, Belgium, East Flanders, Ninove, late Medieval, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A lead 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. Missing are his crossed staff (crux hastata) and a horn he traditionally holds. 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: .875" W x 3" H (2.2 cm x 7.6 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 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.
Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#160271
Condition
Head reattached at the neck. Losses to elements of papal tiara, arms, and attributes held in arms (horn and crossed staff). Expected age wear and rich dark patina.