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Description: | A cast lead alloy pilgrim badge of medieval date. The subject of this badge is unclear. A similar badge (PAS Database No : NMS-5519B8) is described as depicting the kneeling figure of a Saint, probably Patrick, holding an unknown object to his chest in his right hand. In his left hand the Saint is holding onto a post entwined by a snake forming the lower edge of the badge. The finder believes this badge to represent Margaret of Antioch, who emerged out of a dragon with no pain and became known as a patron saint of childbirth. In this instance the left hand of the Saint may be casting away the head of the dragon in order to protect a small child wrapped in its tail at the opposite side of the badge.There is an integral attachment loop on the reverse of the badge which is curled and bent over. The pin is missing. The reverse is flat and undecorated. The metal is a dark blackish-brown colour and survives in good condition. The badge is 24.14mm long, 20.83mm wide, 4.39mm thick and weighs 2.75g.Pilgrim badges of this type date to 15th-16th centuries.
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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