Group of Six Pilgrim Tokens

6th-7th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Jerusalem is a holy site for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. For Christians, it is revered as the site of Christ’s death and Resurrection. Since the fourth century, when Emperor Constantine I erected the Holy Sepulchre over Christ’s tomb, Christian pilgrims have thronged there, often acquiring memorials of their visit.
These tokens from a hoard of ninety-three depict events associated with holy sites in and around Jerusalem. Pilgrims may have collected them as keepsakes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Group of Six Pilgrim Tokens
  • Date: 6th-7th century
  • Geography: Made in Syria (?)
  • Medium: Terracotta
  • Dimensions: Diam (1973,0501.1): 11/16 in. (1.8 cm); diam (1973,0501.4): 11/16 in. (1.7 cm); diam (1973,0501.19): 11/16 in. (1.7 cm); diam (1973,0501.30): 11/16 in. (1.7 cm); diam (1973,0501.47): 5/8 in. (1.6 cm); diam (1973,0501.78): 11/16 in. (1.7 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: The British Museum, London (1973.0501.1, .4, .19, .30, .47, .78)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters