Masonic Pendant1793–18152 1/8 x 1 1/2 x 1/4 " (5.6 x 3.8 x 0.6 cm)Paper and watercolor on ivory (double-sided), in metal case with glassGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.810Double-sided, Side a: Masonic Symbols: Side Portrait15550051052015.1.81a,bArtist unidentifiedJewelryThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21760EnglandThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsThis pendant is similar in form and materials to many others made by French prisoners in England during the Napoleonic Wars. Between 1793 and 1814, more than 120,000 French soldiers and sailors were held in English prisons. Using whatever materials were handy—animal bones, mattress straw, paper, even their own hair—many of the prisoners created small pictures to sell or trade for food, clothing, or bedding.
Imprisoned French Masons were allowed to form lodges and may have created pendants like this one to remember their fraternal lessons, instruct new members, or identify lodge officers. The items made appealing souvenirs for English Masons, who might have purchased or traded for them with the prisoners.
The pendant shows Masonic symbols in a typical formation including a pair of columns with three steps in-between, an altar with square and compasses on an open Bible, an all-seeing eye, a coffin, and several working tools along each side. This arrangement is seen on many Masonic forms from aprons to certificates to tracing boards and reminds members of the values taught in the lodge.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Masonic 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.
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.orghttp://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21760http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21760http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster217602015.1.81a,b17931815 2015 1 81 This pendant is similar in form and materials to many others made by French prisoners in England during the Napoleonic Wars. Between 1793 and 1814, more than 120,000 French soldiers and sailors were held in English prisons. Using whatever materials were handy—animal bones, mattress straw, paper, even their own hair—many of the prisoners created small pictures to sell or trade for food, clothing, or bedding.
Imprisoned French Masons were allowed to form lodges and may have created pendants like this one to remember their fraternal lessons, instruct new members, or identify lodge officers. The items made appealing souvenirs for English Masons, who might have purchased or traded for them with the prisoners.
The pendant shows Masonic symbols in a typical formation including a pair of columns with three steps in-between, an altar with square and compasses on an open Bible, an all-seeing eye, a coffin, and several working tools along each side. This arrangement is seen on many Masonic forms from aprons to certificates to tracing boards and reminds members of the values taught in the lodge.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Masonic 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.
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