Independent Order of Odd Fellows Apron1840–187015 1/2 × 15 1/2"Bullion and cotton embroidery on velvet, with spangles, bullion fringe, cotton belt with metal buckle, and chintz backGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.9501555095115Artist unidentifiedCostumeThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504United StatesTextilesFraternal Art and ObjectsFollowing the example set by Freemasonry, many American fraternal groups incorporated aprons into their regalia. The material and style exhibited in this apron helps to date it to the mid-1800s. The symbols of an all-seeing eye and a beehive were common to several fraternal groups, including the Masons and the Odd Fellows. The evidence seen in this apron—shape, materials, colors, and symbols—suggests that it was originally used by a group associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, perhaps even the Odd Fellows’ female auxiliary, the Daughters of Rebekah.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Apron," 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/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster21504http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster2150418401870 2015 1 95 Following the example set by Freemasonry, many American fraternal groups incorporated aprons into their regalia. The material and style exhibited in this apron helps to date it to the mid-1800s. The symbols of an all-seeing eye and a beehive were common to several fraternal groups, including the Masons and the Odd Fellows. The evidence seen in this apron—shape, materials, colors, and symbols—suggests that it was originally used by a group associated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, perhaps even the Odd Fellows’ female auxiliary, the Daughters of Rebekah.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Apron," 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