Pilgrim badge phallus ship, silvered bronze

Product description

The remarkable medieval pendant, inspired by a historical model from 1350 to 1425 AD, is part of the Langbroek, Van Breuningen collection. The pendant, featuring a ship crewed by phallic sailors and adorned with penis-shaped birds in the rigging, satirises a well-known pilgrim badge from Canterbury. The original badge depicted St. Thomas Becket's return to England from exile. Becket, a revered figure in medieval England, was canonised as a martyr following his murder by King Henry II's knights in 1170 AD. This phallus ship parody pokes fun at religious devotion and references the "ship of fools" motif popular in medieval satire.

The pendant measures 2.7 x 2.7 cm and is equipped with an eyelet for attaching to clothing or wearing as a necklace. It may also be sewn onto garments utilising its openings. A 1-metre black leather strap is included, permitting versatile use. Available in high-quality bronze, the piece combines historical craftsmanship with modern wearability.

The phallus ship symbolises the creator's critique of medieval society's sanctimonious attitudes. Its humorous and provocative design underscores the contradictions in the veneration of figures such as St. Thomas Becket, whose murder sparked outrage and led to Canterbury becoming a major pilgrimage centre. The enduring popularity of Becket, attributed miracles, and his association with the English monarchy highlight his significance, including King Henry V's visit to Canterbury after the Battle of Agincourt to honour the saint.