File:Medieval Pilgrim Badge , Our Lady of Rocamadour (FindID 286621).jpg

English: An incomplete Medieval (1150-1450) lead Pilgrim Badge of our Lady of Rocamadour in the form of a pointed oval (or 'vesica' shaped) seal, broken around just over 50% of the edges. It measures 35.64x25.99x2.05mm and weighs 4.61g. It would have originally measured c.43mmx28mm.

The badge depicts the Virgin enthroned, her feet on a pedestal, with the Holy Child sitting on her left knee. Both heads are missing due to the break, as well as the top of the sceptre the Virgin holds in her right hand. The child holds a roll of scriptures in his left hand, and his right hand (not distinguishable through wear and corrosion) is raised in the act of blessing. The Virgin's visible hand, both knees and feet and the child's legs are in particular high relief and have been rubbed smooth. These have a very shiny patina compared to the rest of the badge, which is rather worn and corroded.

The legend around the pair would have read + SIGILLVM BEATE MARIE DE ROCAMADOUR. All that survives is ]BEATE MARIE[ with the A of MARIE in the lower point of the vesica.

Around the edge of the badge and now missing would have been four sewing-loops.

Rocamadour was among the principle places of pilgrimage in Europe during Medieval times (Spencer 1998, p.235), and even Henry II ventured there in 1170. It is thought pilgrim souvenirs from Rocamadour were among the earliest manufactured and were given the special name of sportulae or sportelles, suggesting that they were fixed to the pilgrim's scrip (sporta). This vesica-shaped badge or sportelle depicting the Virgin in majesty was the classic souvenir from Rocamadour for over 300 years, those at the earlier end of the scale being somewhat larger and with six sewing-loops (Spencer 1988 p.236 no.245c and 245d) than this example (cf. Spencer no.245, 245a, 245b).