Mysterious Medieval Owl Badge

This badge, the original of which was found in the River Seine, is rather difficult to interpret convincingly. All medieval badges were worn for a reason, but in medieval symbolism the owl was principally used to represent, sin, the devil or Jews, who supposedly preferred darkness to the light of the gospel. Whatever its hidden meaning it is an attractive medieval representation of a much maligned animal.

Original found in France.

14th – 15th century.

29x29mm An owl.