Europe, Germany, Cologne, ca. 1350 to 1450 CE. A wonderful lead alloy pilgrim's badge of Cologne, featuring the three kings presenting gifts to Mary and the Child with one of the kings pointing to the Star of Bethlehem. A special pilgrim badge presenting the Adoration of the Magi with a remarkable level of detail! Size: 2.75" W x 3.125" H (7 cm x 7.9 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 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
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#160270
Condition
"Clips" on verso are frozen and do not bend. Loops at peripheries could be used for attachment. Normal age wear and nice warm patina.