To complete the look, I needed accessories. As part of the challenge, one of my layers needed to crafted using a different method than sewing. I choose to create a felted hat with pewter cast badges as that component, it's worn over a linen veil. I also created a bag also with pewter badges since no pilgrim seems to be complete without one. Lacking the skills to create a staff and bottle, I used found items.
I wanted to create a felted hat, while the round hat on the inspiration is cute, as a person who typically wears glasses a bycocket seemed more practical. I noticed that there appears to have been a bycocket on one of the women in my favorite work by Piero della Francesca that is no longer present. I took the shape from another hat appearing in the same fresco cycle. The hat was wet felted from wool roving and dyed after making. I opted to add the chalk crossed pilgrim staffs based on the inspiration piece rather than creating a pewter version of them.
Giving shelter to pilgrims- attributed to the workshop of Domenico Ghirlandaio. Church of San Martino del Vescovo , Florence, Italy
Discovery and Proof of the True Cross, Piero della Francesca, Arezzo, Italy ~1460
Discovery and Proof of the True Cross, Piero della Francesca, Arezzo, Italy ~1460
Oratorio di Santo Stefano di Lentate, Lombardy, Italy 14th Century
Pewter or lead badges are commonly seen on pilgrims. As I didn't have a specific pilgrimage path in mind, I chose designs that struck my fancy and skill level. I do admit that the purse might not be pilgrimage related, possibly some sort of occupationally related badge, but I couldn't resist. I tried to use the design and scale of the extant badges, but cast using sand rather than carved molds as they would have been done in period due to my own beginner skill level.
Pilgrim's Badge, lead, 15th Century, France. Held at the Met
Pilgrim's Badge, lead, 15th Century, France. Held at the Met
My renditions in lead-free pewter
Another key item commonly seen on pilgrims is a bag. My inspiration pilgrim doesn't have a visible purse or bag, however I found that with the short mantel on, you couldn't see mine either. Bags come in various shapes, sizes and colors. I opted to use the remnants of the wool from my sleeves to fashion a bag that would easily hold my phone and other modern needs at an event.
Fol. 080r, Pentecost. Christ on road to Emmaus and Ascension (border). Poitiers, France, ca. 1475.
Oratorio di Santo Stefano di Lentate, Lombardy, Italy 14th Century
Fol. 25r, Heures de Marguerite d'Orléans (BNF Latin 1156B)
Rudolf von Ems: Weltchronik - BSB Cgm 6406, Bistum Passau, ~1300