Moulding emotions: later medieval badges in England and Wales

Thesis

This thesis presents a study of later medieval badges and their use in England and Wales c. AD 1300-1600. The cataloguing and analysis of nearly 3,500 badges collected from published catalogues of badges, chance find data recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme, archaeological journals, and excavation reports has enabled the exploration of the function and meaning of these objects. It investigates the ways in which badges could communicate, create, or reinforce later medieval identities, beliefs, and emotions. This has been accomplished through the application of Eleanor Standley’s conception of emotants as a means of integrating past emotions into the interpretations of later medieval badges and how they were not only used but emotionally felt. Additionally, the assessment of the distributions of both devotional and social badges can identify past emotional communities who shared similar beliefs and values. Case studies have allowed a closer interrogation of the badges and their distributions, and to consider how and why they functioned as emotants. These include the examination of badges associated with saintly, Marian, Christocentric forms of devotion; popular and political influence; and contemporary controversies associated with badge use in the later medieval period.

What has been revealed is a fluidity of meanings to badges which appear to have been emotionally constructed, embedded, and intrinsic to their use and perception in later medieval England and Wales. This thesis has shown that by examining the content and imagery of the badges, what is revealed is the ability of badges to communicate emotional or immaterial relationships and connections between badges, what they signify, and their wearers or viewers. These results build upon the foundation of previous interpretations of badge use and their perceived function as souvenirs or secondary relics and add depth to our understanding of later medieval devotion, society, and emotions.

Authors: Dinges, JJ

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-eqk92kb7m
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: badges; Christianity; Emotional communities; Material culture; Later Medieval; Emotions; Emotants; Archaeology of Emotion
• Subjects: Archaeology, Medieval