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Description: | A cast copper-alloy pilgrim badge of late medieval date. The badge is of openwork form and the decorative content is relief moulded. The central column comprises a male figure standing, his body angled slightly to the right, his legs together and his hands are held behind his back. He appears to be naked, although this is uncertain due to the level of surface wear. Extending from above the head is the trunk of a tree with an arc of branches and leaves at the top. On each side of the central figure is an archer, his bow drawn and his arrow pointing at the captive. The archers wear baggy breeches and a loose upper garments. The bottom side of the base is slightly curved and this curve extends upwards to the top of the archers. Overall, the positioning of the figures, the foliate ornamentation of the central column, and the curved base combine to create the approximate outline of an anchor. On the flat reverse of the badge, extending from the back of the central figure's torso, is an attached bent wire loop. The artefact measures 27.1mm wide, 26.7mm high and 5.1mm thick. The weight is 3.84g.A parallel was found in excavations at Chaucer House, Tabard Street, London and is discussed in detail by Robinson (1989), who suggests a date of c. 1500. There is some debate as to the subject matter depicted in this badge; the possible options are St Sebastian or St Edmund, who were martyred in similar ways. Robinson considers both possibilities, but feels that the more likely explanation, based on the anchor-like shape, is that they depict the martyrdom of St. Edmund who went on to be known for protecting those in distress at sea. Robinson also cites a further, identical example to the Chaucer House badge, which was found near Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire. In addition, examples from Quidenham in Norfolk (NMS906) and Melbourn in Cambridgeshire (BH-589BA2) are recorded on the PAS database. Egan (pers. comm.) suggests that all of the aforementioned badges may originate from the same mould.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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