Late medieval sources reveal an annual handover of a marine mammal between the council of the small coastal city of Blankenberge and the aldermen of Bruges. The reason for the transfer is not disclosed by the sources, and there is no consensus among historians as to the interpretation of this behaviour. This article explores the role of the presentation and consumption of a porpoise in the relationship between Blankenberge and the nearby medieval metropolis of Bruges. I argue that a porpoise supported the crucial, mutually beneficial ties of solidarity between two communities favouring their position and opportunities in the competitive maritime landscape.

中文翻译：

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海豚、惩罚和伙伴关系：在中世纪晚期沿海法兰德斯呈现和食用海洋哺乳动物的意义

中世纪晚期的资料显示，沿海小城市布兰肯贝赫的议会和布鲁日的市议员每年都会交接一种海洋哺乳动物。消息来源没有透露转移的原因，历史学家对这种行为的解释也没有达成共识。本文探讨了海豚的展示和消费在布兰肯贝赫与附近的中世纪大都市布鲁日之间的关系中的作用。我认为，海豚支持了两个社区之间至关重要的、互利的团结纽带，有利于他们在竞争激烈的海洋环境中的地位和机会。