Dated: 1175-1225

Finding place: Dordrecht, Middelburg (Holland)

Place of provenance?: Nazareth (Holy Land)

Details: h.:61mm w.50mm

Meaning: pilgrim’s badge from the Holy Land. One of the earliest pilgrim signs I’ve managed to find in my sources. It represents the Annunciation of Our Lady. On the left side there is angel Gabriel holding a cross. On the right side stand Virgin Marywith one hand up in gesture of greetings and with second hand on her belly. The presentation is enclosed by short version of prayer Ave Maria in latin: +AVE GRA. PLENA DII S. TECV BEIE DICTATVM MVLIERBVS BIE DICT FRVCT VENTRIS TVI.
Whole prayer is: Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.