Odd Fellows ceremonial sceptre 1856

This is a ceremonial sceptre of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. We don't know exactly when it was made or by whom, but this fraternal organization was founded in the 18th century, and its American branch gained popularity throughout the 19th century. The organization served a mutual aid function. It provided a social network and insurance benefits to its members, drawn from the skilled working class and shopkeepers. But it also had a moral and political agenda; the group promoted ideals of reciprocity, charity, and brotherly love. This sceptre was used in lodge meetings and parades, asserting the authority of the group. The ram's horns are symbols of leadership and strength. To understand the image better, historians consult archives such as the records of the Odd Fellows themselves, newspapers, and published books to trace the history of fraternal orders in the U.S. This object reminds us that art exists within particular social and institutional settings.