Pilgrim stitch figure with bird and bell, 15th century, bronze

Product description

This special pilgrim sign shows a so-called 'phallustier': a half-human winged figure with a trousers and shoes on, with a pecking bird on top and a moving bell at the bottom. The design is modeled after a Dutch discovery from 1400-1450, originally from tin, from the Van Beuningen collection.

These types of profane, humorous signs were widespread in the Low Countries, England and other Northern European regions in the late Middle Ages and were mainly worn during carnival time in addition to the more official, religious pilgrim signs.

Just like the original, this pendant has a needle on the back to attach to clothing, and an eye to wear on a cord or chain as a pendant.