Badge or Harness Pendant
Unknown Artist
14th century
Medium
Copper, gold
Dimensions
H. 2 in. (5.1 cm); W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm); Wt. 1 oz. (28.3 g)
Classification
Miscellaneous-Badges
Culture
Spanish
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1904
Accession Number
04.3.313
Art Historical Context
This exquisite Badge or Harness Pendant, crafted in 14th-century Spain, offers a glimpse into the world medieval equestrian culture and chivalry. Measuring just 2 inches high and weighing a mere ounce, this small yet striking object was likely affixed to a knight's horse harness or worn as a personal badge, symbolizing status, allegiance, or pilgrimage during Spain's turbulent Reconquista era. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Arms and Armor (acquired via the Rogers Fund in 1904), it exemplifies the fusion of utility and ornamentation in military accoutrements. Fashioned from copper gil...