Independent Order of Odd Fellows Second Degree Banner1882–190028 x 20 1/2 " (71.1 x 52.1 cm)Embroidery on silk, with bullion and metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.1101554405043Artist unidentifiedTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesTextilesFraternal Art and ObjectsThese banners show the variety that was available after the mid-nineteenth century. Some are painted, others are embroidered; some show the symbols all in gold, others employ different colors. Shapes and trimmings vary. Regalia makers generally sold banners in sets, with one each for the Initiatory Degree and three degrees of Odd Fellowship. These banners, whose dates are not known, display the symbols associated with the Third Degree in the structure prior to 1882 and the Second Degree thereafter. The blue ground is recognized as the symbol of the heavens, of divine eternity, and human immortality. As one Odd Fellows manual explained, “It is the proper symbol of Brotherly Love, indicating that it should be as far-reaching and constant as the ends of the earth.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Second Degree Banner," 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.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org18821900 2015 1 11 These banners show the variety that was available after the mid-nineteenth century. Some are painted, others are embroidered; some show the symbols all in gold, others employ different colors. Shapes and trimmings vary. Regalia makers generally sold banners in sets, with one each for the Initiatory Degree and three degrees of Odd Fellowship. These banners, whose dates are not known, display the symbols associated with the Third Degree in the structure prior to 1882 and the Second Degree thereafter. The blue ground is recognized as the symbol of the heavens, of divine eternity, and human immortality. As one Odd Fellows manual explained, “It is the proper symbol of Brotherly Love, indicating that it should be as far-reaching and constant as the ends of the earth.”
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Second Degree Banner," 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.
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.
To help improve this record, please email photoservices@folkartmuseum.org