Medieval Pilgrim Tokens

[cmcdon0923]

Does anyone have a copy of Mitchiner's Medieval Pilgrim & Secular Badges?

I have a photocopy of the page dealing with True Cross tokens, but am curious if it also covers things like the tokens for Saint Symeon, and various other types of clay tokens of the era?

I was thinking of getting a copy, but if it again only has a single page or two for these tokens, it might not be worth the cost.


Craig

[Gert]

First of all: if you're interested in medieval pilgrim badges, this book is a must-have. It is only the main reference for the tokens by chance, as Byzantium is largely without the scope of the book. Apart from these tokens, there's only a small selection of Byzantine objects. The descriptions are not very good, and the importance is mainly for the photos.

1059-1061 are lead 'magical' amulets of the kind I have published in my Koinon article (which I will upload to my Academia page eventually).
1062-1075 are the tokens
1076-1081 are various crosses
1082 is a terracotta pilgrim blessing with the Baptism of Christ
1083 is a Holy Rider amulet
1084 is a womb amulet
1085 is a another amulet
1086 is a lead token blessing from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (which is my own theory). The 'arc of the Covenant' is actually the tomb of Jesus.

You will have more luck with St. Symeon tokens in the various Byzantine exhibition catalogues.

(And by the way, don't believe the Byzantines burned the True Cross to make these tokens.)

Regards
Gert

[cmcdon0923]

Sorry for the delay in replying, I was away.

Thanks Gert.

Actually, I'm mainly interested in the clay/terracotta tokens, similar to the True Cross types.  I know the St. Symeon pieces come up occasionally, and have been following them as the become available.  I haven't purchased any yet, though.

While deciding on whether or not to spend the money on the Mitchner book, I was able to pick up a copy of Early Byzantine Pilgrimage Art by Gary Vikan.  In just thumbing through it, I see where various types of these tokens are discussed.  I have not delved into it in any detail yet, though.


Craig

[Gert]

Hi Craig,
Yes, Vikan's book is a great introduction to the material. Probably the best.
Gert