Fraternal Beehive1875–192510 1/2 × 9 × 10"Paint and gold leaf on wood, with metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.6601554905094Artist unidentifiedSculptureUnited StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsSeveral American fraternal groups used the beehive as a symbol in their ritual. It was part of the Odd Fellows First Degree in the old structure, but the beehive is perhaps most central to the Daughters of Rebekah, the women’s branch of the Odd Fellows that was established in 1851. The beehive is also used in Masonic ritual and appears on aprons and tracing boards. Although these groups have major differences in the stories behind their rituals, all interpret the beehive in the same way: as a representation of industry and of unity in working toward a common purpose.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Fraternal Beehive," 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.org18751925 2015 1 66 Several American fraternal groups used the beehive as a symbol in their ritual. It was part of the Odd Fellows First Degree in the old structure, but the beehive is perhaps most central to the Daughters of Rebekah, the women’s branch of the Odd Fellows that was established in 1851. The beehive is also used in Masonic ritual and appears on aprons and tracing boards. Although these groups have major differences in the stories behind their rituals, all interpret the beehive in the same way: as a representation of industry and of unity in working toward a common purpose.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Fraternal Beehive," 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