Smithsonian American Art Museum
Odd Fellows Shelf and Mirror
John Haley Bellamy, born Kittery, ME 1836-died Portsmouth, NH 1914 · ca. 1850-1900
This shelf was probably made for a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Organizations like the Freemasons and Odd Fellows often decorated objects with fraternal symbols to remind members of their commitment to the brotherhood. In this piece the three pillars and the three-link chain represent the Odd Fellows motto---"Friendship, Love, and Truth." Only members of the order understood the symbolism of the serpent, staff, horn, and tent.
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