Old metal plaque

Does anyone know what this metal plaque is or how old it might be? It measures 4 1/2" x 1 3/4". Thanks!

 

This kind of small, usually silver plaques are called "Tama" in Greek and are attached by people to religious icons in church when a prayer or wish was fulfilled. Usually the decoration is related to that wish. Is the boy holding a pen? Then maybe it is about success in school. I am not sure how old this is, somewhere in the 20th c I think.

 

The item may also be a a small votive candle.

 

Think you're right, in France we call these EX VOTO, usually a part of body which had to be healed

 

We call them ex voto as well, a Latin term which roughly translates to by virtue of a vow.
Near me is a church with a 13th century miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary. She was found in a tree and every time people put her in the local church, she managed to return to the tree. In the end they built a church around the tree. There is still a tree there, people hang silver ex votos and rosaries on the branches.



Here are the body part ex votos kyra mentioned, the legs are probably to thank for healing a broken leg, or even paralysis:

 

These rectangular ones with whole figures I use to see in Greece, and they are sold to tourists in antique shops...
https://strikoudis-silver.gr/products/gr/0/105/Categories

 

Wow, thanks everyone for identifying it! I had no idea that is what it was.

 

Wonderful site, I could lose myself there, thanks Mat.

Have you seen our translator thread, and would you like to add your name and translating skills?
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/calling-all-translators.27668/

 

If this posts correctly, there he is on the right side....scroll down to the second grouping.....he's on the right end!

https://strikoudis-silver.gr/products/gr/0/105/Categories

 

Great link, Mat - and well found, Aqui!

 

Hi Any Jewelry, I was not aware of that thread, I will add myself there...

 

Thanks Mat, really appreciate it.