Image of Saint James the Pilgrim, polycromed and gilded wood, 16th century.

The 16th century image of Saint James the Pilgrim (Portuguese: São Tiago Peregrino) is a testimony of the importance and the popularity of the Jacobean cultus in Portugal. The sculpture is in accordance with the iconography of the pilgrim and possesses the recognisable attributes of a wayfarer: the cloak, the walking staff, the pouch and the hat with a scallop shell. The protective nature of the scallop shell converted it into the main attribute of this saint and it remained as a symbol of the Jacobean tradition – pilgrims used it to drink water - and such meaning has endured up until the current times. The sculpture is barefooted and on its hands rests a book, attributes that pertain to Saint James' condition of Apostle.