Record Details
Fraternal Pendant
The images delicately painted on this mourning pendant include fraternal symbols common to both Odd Fellows and Freemasons. One side shows the allegorical figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity, seen often on such memorial miniatures in lockets. Faith stands near a cross with a scroll reading “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” This phrase, from the Book of Job, was used in the Masonic burial service during the 1800s, but it was also popular as a show of faith in nonfraternal contexts. Hope rests on an anchor; behind the two figures is a classical urn and plinth. At right is Charity comforting three children. On the reverse are several fraternal symbols, including a heart in hand with the fingers posed in a sign meant to identify fraternal members to one another. The pendant is personalized with the inscription “March 25 P.G. Chinnery Lodge No. 10 1814.” Chinnery Lodge has not yet been identified. If it was an Odd Fellows lodge, the pendant would most probably be English because Odd Fellowship was not established in the United States until 1819.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Fraternal Pendant," exhibition label for Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from the Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection. Stacy C. Hollander, curator. New York: American Folk Art Museum, 2016.
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