Medieval Engraved Roundel, c.15th Century. Lamb Of God “Agnus Dei “. 33mm.
 
The engraved roundel most probably a part of a pendant, engraved and with some gilding visible.
 
The Paschal Lamb (from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning ‘Passover’) is associated with the Jewish Passover festival and the Old Testament story of the Exodus. According to the bible, God helped the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten different plagues upon the Egyptians. To ensure their protection from the tenth plague, God instructed the Israelites to slaughter a lamb and mark their entranceways / doors and doorposts with the lamb’s blood. The plague passed over the homes that had been marked, and the Israelites were saved.
 
Amulets / pendants bearing the image of the Lamb have been worn since the Middle Ages. They were originally small moulded wax discs, known as Agnus Dei, and were made in Rome from the wax of Paschal candles, which were lit at Easter. Sanctified by the Pope and encased in silver or gold, Agnus Dei were worn as amulets against evil and for protection during pregnancy and childbirth.
 
Cf: For similar examples. Victoria and Albert Museum, a silver example set in a pendant mount, 1400-1500 (Accession number M.94-1962). British Museum, a niello example set in a pendant mount, 16th century (Accession number AF.2892).
 
This piece with some surface wear and light putting, details clear and with some original gilding remaining. Some light bending and waviness to the metal.