Very Scarce Silver Spanish Pilgrim Token ca. 1700
When a place became the focus for veneration because of its association with a person or event, the devout make a pilgrimage and acquire wearable tokens of devotion. The tradition of wearing a metal sign of pilgrimage began in the Middle Ages. Earlier tokens or badges acquired from shrines or sites were made from terra cotta or wood. Sometimes reliquaries (small containers in which sacred relics are displayed or protected) or ampullae (flasks without handles for containing holy oil or water) were also obtained. Although these pieces may be seen as souvenirs, the devout believed them to contain the spirit or essence of the visited site.
This very scarce example is most likely Spanish in origin. Traditionally made from lead, this silver reliquary is from circa 1700. Heavily ornamented, one side is engraved with the monogram “IHS”, symbol or abbreviation for the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus.
Sometime around the close of the Middle Ages a cross appeared above the H with three nails underneath and surrounded by rays of the sun. The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) made this sign the emblem for their society. On verso is an engraved “M” also surrounded by rays of the sun which may signify the Virgin Mother Mary. The entire piece has a twisted silver decorative border. One side of the token opens to reveal a piece of gold colored fabric with a diamond shape frame which most likely contained a now deficient tiny image.
Measurements: Length with top extra "O" fitting is 1-3/8 inches long (3.7 cm) in length including extra top “O” fitting by 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter by 5/16 of an inch (0.8 cm) in depth. This antique reliquary has a weight of 8.5 (5.4 dwt).
Condition: Fair to good; exterior shows heavy patina (we have not cleaned this in any way other than the glass for the locket); tiny dents to the cover and back; some softening of the engraving; one area of glass is chipped on the edge; interior missing its image; green patina on silver threads; cloth is worn.
Date & Origin: Circa 1700 and is Spanish in origin.
Overall Scale: Small
