2-737-798 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Pilgrim's Medallion with St. Symeon the Younger, c. 1100. Saint Symeon the Younger (ad 521-592) was a hermit who isolated himself high upon a column for 37 years. Afterwards, Symeon's column was venerated as a relic at the center of the church of Qualat-Siman in Syria. His shrine attracted many pilgrims carried home lead-cast tokens as a blessing. This lead medallion represents a later revival of these original pilgrim's tokens. It was probably worn around the neck as a pendant.