Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Objects Facet
3. Visual and Verbal Communication (hierarchy name)
4. Information Forms (hierarchy name)
5. information forms (objects)
6. information artifacts
7. [information artifacts by function]
8. identifying artifacts

Narrower term/s

• plaques (brooches) [NP][+]
  • insignia plaques
• pilgrim badges
• enseignes
• cognizances
• cap badges (military badges)
• lantern badges
• gorgets (badges)
• beggar's badges
• fire badges
• insignia badges[+]
  • membership badges
  • merit badges
  • military badges
  • law enforcement badges
• messenger's badges[+]
  • bodebusses

Anotations

Scope note:

Objects bearing special or distinctive marks and worn for decoration or to signify affiliation. Originally, badges were heraldic symbols worn as identifying marks by a knight and his retainers, e.g., a badge of arms. In later use, the term refers to any distinctive device, emblem, or mark worn to indicate a person's affiliation, rank, office, name, or membership in an organization or support for a cause, particularly objects that comprise small pieces of metal, card, plastic, etc., that bear a distinguishing design or words.