Hands, Eyes, Skulls
I went to see the American Folk Art Museum exhibit of Masonic and Odd Fellows art, “Mystery and Benevolence”, this weekend. Lots of my favorites! Hands, eyes, skulls.
Both the Freemasons and the Odd Fellows were (and are) secret fraternal organizations, dedicated to fellowship and the development of ethics and good moral character. As one article about the exhibit pointed out, you can look up symbolic meanings online for, say, hands and hearts, but the true and complete meanings still remain a mystery except to the initiated.
Is the mystery part of the beauty? I loved this hand and hearts hooked rug.
The all-seeing eye is another prominent symbol. It is often shown with chains. “F L T” stands for friendship, love and truth.
Eyes are shown with the sun’s rays radiating. The sun itself is represented as well.
One of the purposes of these organizations was the contemplation of mortality. This would hopefully lead to better choices in life. Thus, the skeletons and skulls.
I managed to photograph this wonderfully eerie skull and crossbones right over my reflection.
Animals associated with these organizations include snakes, owls, bees, and double-headed eagles.
The Ark of the Covenant and Solomon’s Temple are also have meaning.
An intricate papercutting includes many of the mysterious symbols.
This painting shows why these organizations are often associated with the occult. The secret rites and rituals and cryptic symbols invite speculation. But they are also wonderful to contemplate simply as works of art.
This is a great show. It’s open through May 8.
35 responses to “Hands, Eyes, Skulls”
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- January 15, 2017 -
I’m thinking now of your “talk to the hand” post! So many beautiful abstracts I’m seeing coming from this. Looks like a wonderful time!
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It’s always good to get out and see what others have done, and collected to share. Inspiring!
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It looks like a fascinating exhibit. Thanks for sharing. I remember my grandfather made a metal image of two hands shaking, similar to your top photograph. It was copied from something, but there were no Masonic eyes. I think it said “Shalom.” It fascinated me as a child.
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Images with hands and eyes are always interesting to me. They appear all over the world, so obviously humans have an affinity for them.
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Well, they are important body parts. 🙂
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To be sure.
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This was a wonderful tour!! I can’t attend I person so thanks for the visit!! This was so cool!!
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It is definitely cool. Sometimes these shows go on tour, so maybe it will come your way!
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I always think of those secret fraternities as stuff of fiction/movies, LOL! There are so really neat art associated with them. Like Charlie, I’m also grateful for this tour since I can’t be there myself! 🙂
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They’ve certainly been incorporated in plenty of books and films. But I think the authors were all speculating. Lots of inspiration!
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Wow mysterious and cool post! So many things to see!
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Yes, it was a fascinating exhibit.
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I have never been to an exhibit like this one!
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Me either…evidently it is the first one to put together a large group of Masonic art.
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Very interesting thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for sharing your museum tour. I do love the symbolism. Very exotic and mysterious. My grandfather was a Mason and my mom, as a child, was in the Eastern Star for the kids. She never revealed any of the secrets. 🐸
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My grandfather was a mason too. No secrets from him either!
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Haha, tight lipped group.
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occultism
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yes
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You know I’m going to try to draw one of these…the question is, which one? Great post.
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Yes, extremely hard to choose! Can’t wait to see!
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We have a very elaborate Masonic Temple in Center City Philadelphia which I have toured. And it is amazing. You learn no secrets, but you sure see a lot – it’s visually very rich.
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I’ll have to look into visiting the next time I’m in Philadelphia. I want to see the Barnes collection in its new space too.
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Right across from City Hall. Very convenient!
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I love the photo where you captured the skull and crossbones over your reflection! Wonderful xx
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It was a fun moment when I realized I could do that!
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… the Masonic Order is prominently/interestingly featured in Tolstoy’s ‘War and Peace’. Of all you’ve given us here, I find the papercutting absolutely mindblowing.
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It’s a pretty amazing piece…the first thing I was drawn to when I entered the exhibit.
I read “War and Peace” so long ago, I don’t remember that aspect. Perhaps it’s time to revisit it anyway. (Add it to the pile of books!)
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There is beauty in the meanings of each symbols indeed
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As an OddFellow these works of art are exquisite and is privilege to see. Thanks for the great shots and words of compliment.
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It was an amazing exhibit that I was happy to share.
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To an Odd Fellow, these symbols are all meaningful and special. They are all beautiful expressions of the philosophy of FLT.
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It was a wonderful exhibit, very inspiring.
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