Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sword with Scales1850–190036 × 17 × 3 3/16"Paint and gold leaf on wood, with metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.6001554825086Artist unidentifiedSculptureThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. United StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsThe symbol of the sword and scales, like many of the symbols adopted in America’s early national period, derives from classical sources and came to be closely identified with the judicial system. It is also used in the rituals of Freemasonry, Odd Fellows, and other fraternal organizations to signify justice. In Freemasonry, the sword and scales symbol is most frequently associated with the Scottish Rite. The Odd Fellows used it in the Fourth Degree before 1882, and in the Third, or Truth, Degree after that date. This prop was probably used by an Odd Fellows lodge, where it is an emblem of “justice which judges with candor and rewards with impartiality.” The scales represent a trial and verdict, and the sword metes out the punishment.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sword with Scales," 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.org18501900 2015 1 60 The symbol of the sword and scales, like many of the symbols adopted in America’s early national period, derives from classical sources and came to be closely identified with the judicial system. It is also used in the rituals of Freemasonry, Odd Fellows, and other fraternal organizations to signify justice. In Freemasonry, the sword and scales symbol is most frequently associated with the Scottish Rite. The Odd Fellows used it in the Fourth Degree before 1882, and in the Third, or Truth, Degree after that date. This prop was probably used by an Odd Fellows lodge, where it is an emblem of “justice which judges with candor and rewards with impartiality.” The scales represent a trial and verdict, and the sword metes out the punishment.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sword with Scales," 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