Every year, the archers’ guild competed for the title of king. In this contest, members shot at a wooden bird, and whoever brought it down was crowned king, receiving a ceremonial necklace from the guild leader. Traditionally, such jewels feature a small bird, often called a “parrot,” suspended at the bottom.
This gilded necklace, crafted in the Gothic style around 1525, belonged to the Kolveniersgilde of Nivelles. It is made of seven cast and chiselled plates: six openwork plates adorned with thistles, putti, and acanthus leaves, and a richly decorated front plate. The latter features thistles, two baluster columns topped with a banderole bearing the motto PLUS OVLTRE, and the central coat of arms of Charles V. On one side stands Saint Gertrudis, patron saint of Nivelles, and on the other Saint Barbara, patron saint of the guild. The hinged side plates are also embellished with baluster columns, each supporting a small muzzle pendant.
This chain is among the oldest treasures in the vast collection of guild silver. According to tradition, it was presented to the Kolveniers by Emperor Charles himself.