Pilgrim's Badge with Becket's Gloves

Unknown

15th century · Tin/pewter · Medieval Art

Badges and souvenirs of this kind were sold across Europe during the Middle Ages, at sites where saints had been martyred, their relics were housed, and miracles had occurred. Outside of Rome, Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the relics of Saint James the Greater were preserved, was the preeminent pilgrimage destination in Europe. Canterbury Cathedral, where Thomas Becket was martyred, was foremost in England. Badges associated with each holy place offered proof that the wearer had made the pilgrimage. The sale of souvenirs was a major source of income for religious foundations. Lead alloy was also used for secular objects including buttons, badges, rings, as well as toys.

Artist

Unknown

Date

15th century

Medium

Tin/pewter

Culture

British

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of William and Toni Conte, 2002