Freimaurer Volkskunst

Straussen Ei

Gedenken an General George Washington

Quelle: Phoenixmasonry

Dies ist ein höchst ungewöhnliches und seltenes Objekt - ein volkskünstlerisch dekoriertes Straußenei aus dem Jahr 1852.

Es zeigt ein Bild von George Washington mit einer Fülle von Freimaurer-Symbolik, detailreich und fein eingeritzt in ein Straussenei. Das Ei ist 8 cm hoch und ca. 4,5 cm im Durchmesser.

Folgenden Wörter sind auf dem Ei eingraviert: "General George Washington, Fredericksburg Virginia, 1752-1852, Loge Nr. 4" George Washington ist auf diesem Ei gekleidet in seine freimaurerischen Insignien, weiterhin ist ein Sarg zu seinen Füßen, ein perspektivischer karierter Boden, ein Obelisk, die Sonne, der Mond, der fünfzackige Stern, das "Allsehende Auge" mit seinen abstehenden Strahlen, ein amerikanischen Adler, eine Sanduhr, Globus und einige patriotische Fahnentücher.

(noch zu übersetzen) All mounted on a wood block with an inset copper coin depicting the pyramid found on the back of the one dollar bill. (I believe the base to be a recent addition to the piece).

The symbolism and dates suggest that this egg was commissioned to commemorate the 100th anniversary of George Washington's Masonic initiation into Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4 in Virginia, and the records of that Lodge are still in existence, present the following entries on the subject. The first entry is thus: "Nov. 4th, 1752. This evening Mr. George Washington was initiated as an Entered Apprentice"; and the receipt of the entrance fee, amounting to £2.3s., was acknowledged. On March 3 in the following year, "Mr. George Washington" is recorded as having been passed a Fellow Craft; and on August 4, same year, 1753, the record of the transactions of the evening states that "Mr. George Washington," and others whose names are mentioned, have been raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason.

This fabulous egg now belongs to Mr. Jerry Brent who collects anything associated with Fredericksburg, Virginia. The egg is currently being exhibited at the Fredericksburg Area Museum along with objects owned by Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4.

It's a wonderful exhibit which includes George Washington's apron, the bible upon which he was initiated and a Gilbert Stuart painting. Mr. Brent would love to hear from anyone who can provide additional history about this egg.

Contact

You can contact him at: whoo74@yahoo.com