Medieval Pilgrim's Badge For Protecting Wearer Against Evil Found by Metal Detectorist

An anonymous metal detectorist was able to pick up what is believed to be a medieval pilgrim's badge in Poland.

Medieval Pilgrim's Badge Found

The round and small object was cast from a tin and lead alloy. It spans just over 1 inch in diameter and has a thickness of less than one-tenth of an inch.

The artifact shows a depiction of what appears to be a basilisk or dragon. A basilisk is a legendary creature in European folklore with serpent-like features.

Independent archaeologist Tomasz Murzyński shared that he got the artifact with the depiction of a basilisk from an anonymous metal detectorist. Murzyński then handed it over to WKZ, adding that it is now the state's property.

According to a conservator, the artifact serves as a representation of a medieval pilgrim's badge.

However, there could also be other interpretations. For one, suggestions have also stated that the object could be a button with a picture or even a hero's medal from a later time.

The Archeologia Żywa magazine also reports that the creature that can be found at the artifact's middle is similar to a Zilant, which is a mythical monster that is dragon-like and that is the Kazan Russian city's symbol.

Pilgrim Badges

The origins of pilgrim badges can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

Across medieval Europe, there were Christian pilgrims who wore badges that served as a talisman of some sort. These objects were believed to hold supernatural powers and offer good luck. The badges were thought to protect those who wear them against all types of "evil," including disease, theft, assault, and accidents. The items also helped identify the wearers as pilgrims.

Such badges had different shapes and forms. They came in squares, spirals, shells, crosses, shields, and rings. These also typically feature figures of human heads, saints, or knights. They also had creature depictions, including those of dragons and birds.

Some of the oldest badge examples are from the 11th century. They became more in use during subsequent centuries and stayed popular until the 16th century.

One of the oldest badges had a clamshell shape. It shows that its wearer was sojourning at the Camino de Santiago. The shells still serve as the region's symbol today.

Other pilgrim badges that featured Thomas Becket were also quite popular. These badges signified a Canterbury Cathedral pilgrimage in southern England, where knights of Henry II murdered him in 1170.

Several medieval badges have been recovered in several areas across Poland. These include six from Stargard northwestern city. Large badge collections can also be found in museums across Western Europe.

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