Independent Order of Odd Fellows Altar of Incense1860–190035 x 15 x 15 1/2 "Paint on wood, with metalGift of Kendra and Allan Daniel2015.1.16501555635172Artist unidentifiedFurniture/FurnishingsThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain. http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster15721United StatesThree Dimensional WorksFraternal Art and ObjectsThe altar of incense was adapted from descriptions in the Old Testament. It was placed inside the inner sanctum of Solomon’s Temple, and stood before the veil by the Ark of the Covenant. It is sometimes called the “Golden Altar” to distinguish it from the “Brazen Altar” (or altar of burnt offering) that stood outside the temple. The brackets on the sides would have held poles used to carry the altar. It most likely would have also had golden “horns” at the top corners. The prominent three-link chain on the front marks this as an Odd Fellows altar, rather than Masonic or another fraternal group that also used similar altars in their lodges and rituals. Altars of incense were available from regalia manufacturers in a variety of styles at varying prices.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Altar of Incense," 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/termMaster15721http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster15721http://nodes.emuseum.com/BU1BGBAG/apis/emuseum/network/v1/vocabularies/termMaster1572118601900 2015 1 165 The altar of incense was adapted from descriptions in the Old Testament. It was placed inside the inner sanctum of Solomon’s Temple, and stood before the veil by the Ark of the Covenant. It is sometimes called the “Golden Altar” to distinguish it from the “Brazen Altar” (or altar of burnt offering) that stood outside the temple. The brackets on the sides would have held poles used to carry the altar. It most likely would have also had golden “horns” at the top corners. The prominent three-link chain on the front marks this as an Odd Fellows altar, rather than Masonic or another fraternal group that also used similar altars in their lodges and rituals. Altars of incense were available from regalia manufacturers in a variety of styles at varying prices.
Stacy C. Hollander, "Independent Order of Odd Fellows Altar of Incense," 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