This unique medieval badge is based on a historical pattern from the late Middle Ages, which was found in the Netherlands and dates from the period 1375-1425 AD.
So-called obscene-erotic badges were very common in northern Europe in the late Middle Ages, especially in Belgium and the Netherlands, and served as a source of entertainment during the carnival season.
The pilgrim emblem depicts a crowned vulva riding a horse - a pun on the Virgin Mary motif - holding a flagellum in one hand and a crossbow in the other.
This obscenely erotic pilgrim badge is made of high quality bronze and has a handle (needle) on the back for wearing around the neck or pinning to clothing. The vulva symbol can also be easily attached to the pilgrim's cloak in various places.
Obscene-erotic pilgrim badges from the late Middle Ages represent a subset of secular medieval badges.
A possible interpretation of the frequent depiction of the vulva and phallus on late medieval pilgrimage badges is that it was an attempt to lighten the theme of sexuality through humour - these badges may therefore have served as jocular love gifts or as a means of establishing communication and flirtation, especially during the bawdy carnival season.
The 'Vulva on horseback' motif measures 3.1 × 2.1 cm, which corresponds to the dimensions of the historical original.
- Material: bronze
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