PILGRIM BADGE

An incomplete medieval lead alloy pilgrim badge of John the Baptist dating to the 13th - 14th century. The badge is circular with a cast decoration in high relief. There are two stitching rings at three and nine o'clock, by which the badge would have been attached to clothing. These rings are not in the usual location for badges such as this, which would normally be located at diagonals to the image. There are two lugs at one and eleven o'clock, one of which is bent. There are two casting flaws on the badge one in the centre and one below Salome's chin; there is also a break just above the left stitching ring.

The central image is that of Salome, Herodias' daughter, being presented with the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Surrounding the image is a border of hatching. The traditional story of the martyrdom of John the Baptist tells how Salome, the step daughter of Herod was offered whatever she desired by the king. On her mother Herodias' suggestion she asked for the head of John the Baptist on a plate. Pilgrim badges of John the Baptist predominantly come from Amiens, which was believed to house the head brought back from the holy land during the fourth crusade (AD1202-1204). Although the style of the badge is similar to those from Amiens (Spencer, 1998, nos. 235-237), the decoration is quite different showing an oversized head of John the Baptist.

Another town which produced pilgrim badges associated with the head of John the Baptist is Saint-Jean-D'Angély. Badges from this town have a similar design to this example, but instead of Salome they depict the actual execution (Spencer, 1998, nos.240-1). Furthermore, the badges do not have stitching rings and so would have been attached to clothing in a different manner.

Dimensions: diameter: 50.14 mm; thickness: 2.37 mm; weight: 16.33g.

Reference: Spencer, B. 1998. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges. The Stationery Office, London.