Saint Michael's pilgrim sign, 15th century, bronze

Product description

This pendant shows the Archangel Michael, in full armor with raised spear opposite the devil, and is modeled on a medieval pilgrim sign from the period 1400-1500. The original, slightly smaller than this pendant, is in the British Museum in London and was taken as a souvenir by pilgrims visiting Mont Saint-Michel in France.

In the Middle Ages, the Archangel Michael was seen as leader of forces against evil and protector of high places — which is why many hills and mountains are named after him. In the 14th century he was declared patron saint of France, making Mont Saint-Michel the country's most important pilgrimage site.

Thanks to its broken shape, the pendant can also be sewn onto clothing, just like the historical pilgrim stitch, or worn on a cord or chain as a pendant.