ArtDaily PhotoGalleries

Mystical, evocative, and sometimes simply strange, the art of the Freemasons and Independent Order of the Odd Fellows is rich in symbols. Mystery & Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art brings the histories, codes, and beliefs of these groups to the Taft Museum of Art.

Attributed to David Morrill (American, 1788–1878), Masonic Sign, 1871, paint and gold leaf on wood. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Masonic Knights Templar Shade, 1875–1900, paint on canvas. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Scottish Rite Double-Headed Carving, 1870–1930, paint and gold leaf on wood. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

French prisoner of war, Masonic Pendant, 1793–1815, paper and watercolor on ivory, in metal case with glass. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

John Haley Bellamy (American, 1836–1914), works by E. N. Welch Clock Co., Masonic Shelf Clock, about 1870, wood, glass, and metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

The Ward-Stilson Company (New London, Ohio), Independent Order of Odd Fellows Inner Guard Robe, 1875–1925, velvet, cotton, and metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Bow and Arrows Plaque for First Degree, 1860–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood, with metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Masonic Past Master Jewel, 1825, gilded silver. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Axe for Brandywine Lodge No. 388, 1852–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Sword with Scales, 1850–1900, paint and gold leaf on wood, with metal. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Reason Bell Crafft (American, 1812–1873), Masonic Master Mason Apron, 1855–1865, ink, paint, and gold paint on leather, with silk binding. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez.

Strobridge Lithographing Company (Cincinnati, Ohio), Washington as a Freemason, 1870, chromolithograph on paper. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Independent Order of Odd Fellows Daughters of Rebekah Past Noble Grand Jewel, about 1937, gold and silver. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Masonic Royal Arch Plaque, probably Natick, Massachusetts, 1899, wood, with printed and painted paper. Collection American Folk Art Museum, New York, Gift of the Hirschhorn Foundation, Photo by José Andrés Ramírez

Installation view.