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Token with Stylite, Baptism of Christ, and Adoration of the Magi

6th-7th century

Not on view

Stylites were ascetics who lived on platforms atop columns. This movement had practitioners into the nineteenth century, from Mosul in today’s northern Iraq to Gaul in France. Syria was home to large numbers of stylites, including the first stylite, Symeon Stylites the Elder (ca. 389–459).
Pilgrims visiting a stylite’s column carried home a memento, often a clay token. Most examples depict a stylite on a column being crowned by angels. Here, the Baptism of Christ (left) and the Adoration of the Magi (right) are included. The token is inscribed in Greek, "Holy, Holy."

Token with Stylite, Baptism of Christ, and Adoration of the Magi, Terracotta — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Token with Stylite, Baptism of Christ, and Adoration of the Magi

Date: 6th-7th century

Geography: Made in Syria (?)

Medium: Terracotta

Dimensions: 1/4 x 1 in. (0.7 x 2.5 cm)

Classification: Ceramics

Credit Line: Malcove Collection, University of Toronto Art Centre, Toronto (M82.242)

Object Number: isl713

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

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