Medieval badge phallus and vulva, silvered bronze

Product description

In the late Middle Ages, pilgrim badges with crude erotic or obscene motifs were particularly common in the Netherlands, although they also appeared in Belgium and England. These badges were likely employed for amusement during the carnival season, reflecting the period's tendency to blend humour and irreverence with social rituals. The replica is available in high-quality silver-plated bronze.

The erotic imagery on these pilgrim badges, including depictions of phallic trees, ships, and animals, formed part of a larger group of profane badges. The "phallic animal" often depicted a half-human, half-animal creature with exaggerated sexual features, sometimes crowned or adorned with bells. These badges were likely created to address sexuality through humour, serving as conversation starters and tools for sexual initiation, especially amongst the revelry of the carnival season. Read more