PILGRIM BADGE

An incomplete Medieval lead alloy pilgrim whistle dating to the 15th century. This is the hollow bulb that has been cast in the form of a three-dimensional man's head with short tubular mouthpiece. The bulb has been slightly flattened and there is some damage to the whistle at junction of the bulb and tubular mouthpiece. There is a loop for suspension projecting from the top of the head. Spencer (1998:208 no. 216d) illustrates a similar example.

Another example on the database is LON-CA8654.

Spencer (1998:207) suggests a 15th century date for these whistle and writes: "pilgrims whistles ... are referred to in contemporary literature as synonyms for near worthlessness...nevertheless ... they seem to have been popular at a few important sanctuaries. On the site of the medieval marketplace given over exclusively to souvenir makers and sellers at the French shrine of Rocamadour several stone moulds have been found..." one in the form of a cockerel and the other in the form of a man's head. The sound would have been produced as air was blown through the mouthpiece over the hole at the base of the hollow bulb. "It is not known whether these motifs were special to Rocamadour or whether they had wider currency, but whistles of both forms are not uncommon finds on medieval sites in London and elsewhere".

Dimensions: length: 37.36mm; width: 25.67mm; thickness: 9.39mm; weight: 5.12g.

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