Cross with Instruments of the Passion

Pilgrim badge from an unknown shrine. This cross-shaped badge is stamped from a copper alloy sheet. It is decorated with the instruments of Christ’s Passion (the events around the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sufferings). The crown of thorns and the three nails are in the centre of the cross. The cock that crowed is on the top of the vertical limb of the cross; the dice, the spear and the reed sceptre are on the bottom; the pillar and scourge are on the right-hand limb and another of the instruments (possibly the pincers or a pair of crossed staves) are on the left-hand limb. These symbols were popular on badges and other devotional objects in the late medieval period.