Religion

Page from the Koran

One hallmark of the American experience captured in the Museum's collections is the nation's broad diversity of religious faiths. Artifacts range from Thomas Jefferson's Bible to a huge "Sunstone" sculpture carved for a Mormon temple in Illinois in 1844 to a household shrine from the home of a Pueblo Indian in the 1990s. Furniture, musical instruments, clothing, cooking ware, and thousands of prints and figures in the collections have all played roles in the religious lives of Americans. The most comprehensive collections include artifacts from Jewish and Christian European Americans, Catholic Latinos, Protestant Arab Americans, Buddhist and Christian Asian Pacific Americans, and Protestant African Americans. One notable group is the Vidal Collection of carved figures known as santos and other folk religious material from the practice of Santeria in Puerto Rico.

Date: 1880s

Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church (U.S.A.)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date book published
1886
date corner covers made
1887
inscribed date
1888-06-18
1888-10-21
date given
1888-04-01
printer
Eyre and Spottiswoode
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.033670A
catalog number
33670A
accession number
70138

Erinnerung an den Tag der Confirmation

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1884
maker
Kaufmann, Ernst
ID Number
2007.0076.01

Engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois mask"

This engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois Mask" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published as Plate XXII.49 (p.
Description
This engraved woodblock of an "Iroquois Mask" was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published as Plate XXII.49 (p. 189) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Certain Aboriginal Customs with an Inquiry into the Bearing of Their Geographical Distribution” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82. According to the annual report, the mask was “used by the order of ‘Falsefaces’.” Lewis Henry Morgan (1818-1881) was the original artist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Dall, William H.
original artist
Morgan, L. H.
block maker
A. P. J. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0437
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0437

No. 229. Clinton Ave., from Joseph S. Spinney's Cottage

black and white stereograph mounted on yellow cardstock; printed on verso "Photographed and Published by / R.G. Shute, Edgartown, Mass.
Description (Brief)
black and white stereograph mounted on yellow cardstock; printed on verso "Photographed and Published by / R.G. Shute, Edgartown, Mass. / Views of Martha's Vineyard Camp Ground, Oak Bluffs, Highlands, Gay Head, Edgartown, Katama, Vineyard Haven, Nantucket, A Whaling Voyage and other Stereoscopic Pictures."; printed on recto "No. 229. Clinton Ave., from Jos. S. Spinney's Cottage"; view looking down tree lined street, unpaved sidewalk extending from foreground to background at slight angle a little right of center; trees to left of sidewalk separating walk from row of ginerbread style cottages; group of four women and a young girl seated in front of the first cottage
date made
ca 1870s-1880s
ID Number
2012.3033.0684
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0684

Kofelberg/ Oberammegau

Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. (1862–1932) used a wide variety of printing processes, printing out some negatives in more than one medium.
Description
Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. (1862–1932) used a wide variety of printing processes, printing out some negatives in more than one medium. In his lectures, he pointed out that this approach to photography was important because in the hands of a photographer who “lives and understands the infinitely varied moods of nature, photography can be made to express and interpret them.” In correspondence with Dr. Olmstead at the Smithsonian, as the presentation of his gifts and bequest to the museum was being arranged, Eickemeyer wrote: “The collection illustrates the use of every important process and will, I believe, be of real educational value.”
The first of the Eickemeyer photographic collection came to the National Museum’s Department of Arts and Industries (the “Castle”), Division of Graphic Arts in 1922 at the close of a large exhibition of Eickemeyer’s work at the Anderson Gallery in New York. It was a gift from the photographer of five framed prints from the New York show that he considered representative of his work.
In 1929, Eickemeyer gave the Smithsonian 83 framed prints (including copies of the prints that he had previously given the museum), 15 portfolios, his medals and awards, and several miscellaneous photographic paraphernalia. In 1930, he made a will bequeathing most of his remaining prints, negatives, photographic equipment and other objects relating to his 30-year career as a photographer to the Smithsonian Institution.
Upon Eickemeyer’s death in 1932, an accession consisting primarily of photographic equipment from his studio came to the Smithsonian. Included in the bequest were 2 cameras, several lenses, scales, timers, printing frames, plate holders, dry mounters and a lecture case with slide projector and hand-colored lantern slides. Also included were 43 albums, journals and portfolios and assorted negatives and contact prints, many marked “discards.” There are 58 albums, notebooks and portfolios in the collection. Eickemeyer requested in his will that his gifts and bequests be called The Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
maker
Eickemeyer, Jr., Rudolf
ID Number
PG.004135.B109.43
catalog number
4135.B109.43
accession number
106456

Order for Daily Evening Prayer and Book of Common Prayer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date book published
1886
date corner covers made
1887
inscribed date
1888-04-01
printer
Eyre and Spottiswoode
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
DL.033670B
catalog number
33670B
accession number
70138

medal

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1882
ID Number
NU.69.127.755
catalog number
69.127.755
accession number
286471

Camp Assembly of Men

black and white stereograph on orange colored cardstock; handwritten on verso in blue ink "Interior of the new meeting place or "Tabernacle" which was erected in 1879. This is still standing, (1930) and is used for the Camp Meeting each summer. / Cottage City, or Oak Bluffs.
Description (Brief)
black and white stereograph on orange colored cardstock; handwritten on verso in blue ink "Interior of the new meeting place or "Tabernacle" which was erected in 1879. This is still standing, (1930) and is used for the Camp Meeting each summer. / Cottage City, or Oak Bluffs. Martha's Vineyard, Mass."; large assembly of men wearing dark suits and white shirts standing at the front of two columns of pews, presumably around a religous alter or pulpit; most likely taken at Wesleyan Grove
date made
ca 1880s
ID Number
2012.3033.0655
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0655

Chest

Though this country was founded in part by European religious communities rebelling against an ornate and hierarchical Catholic faith to which they had been forced to adhere, this trunk reminds us of other Catholics adhering to a simpler monastic life.
Description
Though this country was founded in part by European religious communities rebelling against an ornate and hierarchical Catholic faith to which they had been forced to adhere, this trunk reminds us of other Catholics adhering to a simpler monastic life. Isolated from their roots, many gave themselves over to the priesthood, meditation, and social work in a communitarian environment. This plain trunk is a pine chest painted blue, with iron fittings suggestive of New England Shaker furnishings. In fact it belonged to the Italian parents of a Dominican Sister who joined the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Oullins, France. In America, she and another woman founded the first Dominican monastery in 1880 in the United States, the Monastery of Saint Dominic in Newark, New Jersey. This trunk is one of a several items received from the monastery, all demonstrating a simplicity of lifestyle, devoid of ornamentation.
The Dominican nuns were founded by Saint Dominic in 1207, just prior to his foundation of the Order of Friars Preachers. It was his wish that the nuns should share in the preaching mission of the friars. They participate in the preaching of the Word by living their contemplative vocation and studying the Word of God. Today, Dominican nuns follow that same path in many countries throughout the world. The two American women who founded the Newark monastery in 1880 (and subsequently other Dominican monasteries across the United States), demonstrated an independence that also corresponded with the widening general push for increased autonomy and voice by American women in the same era.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1880
user
Monastery of St. Dominic
ID Number
CL.314563.01
accession number
314563
catalog number
314563.01

Hair Flowers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1885
ID Number
DL.022467.0001E
catalog number
022467.0001E
accession number
22467

Engraved woodblock of an "Indian mask from the northwest coast of America"

This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XIV.23 (p.173) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Ce
Description
This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Plate XIV.23 (p.173) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Certain Aboriginal Customs with an Inquiry into the Bearing of Their Geographical Distribution” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82. According to the annual report, the image shows a “dancing mask used by the Indians of Cape Flattery, Washington Territory” and was originally drawn by J.G. Swan (1818-1900).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Dall, William H.
original artist
Swan, J. G.
ID Number
1980.0219.1011
catalog number
1980.0219.1011
accession number
1980.0219

“Rock Me to Sleep Mother”

This sheet music is for the song “Rock Me to Sleep Mother.” The song’s lyrics were written by Florence Percy (the pen name for Elizabeth Akers Allen) and the music was composed by John H. Hewitt. The sheet music was published by Julian A.
Description
This sheet music is for the song “Rock Me to Sleep Mother.” The song’s lyrics were written by Florence Percy (the pen name for Elizabeth Akers Allen) and the music was composed by John H. Hewitt. The sheet music was published by Julian A. Selby of Columbia, South Carolina in 1861. The song expresses a desire to give up the sorrows of life and go back to being a child, being rocked to sleep by mother.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1861
lyricist
Percy, Florence
composer
Hewitt, John H.
publisher
Selby, Julian A.
ID Number
1983.0365.03
accession number
1983.0365
catalog number
1983.0365.03

Group of men, women and children in front of cottages

black and white stereograph mounted on orange cardstock; printed on verso "Woodward & Son.
Description (Brief)
black and white stereograph mounted on orange cardstock; printed on verso "Woodward & Son. / Taunton, / Mass."; group of men, women and children gathered on the lawn, both seated and standing, in front of the gingerbread cottages of Cottage City (Wesleyan Grove, Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard)
date made
ca 1860s-1880s
ID Number
2012.3033.0681
nonaccession number
2012.3033
catalog number
2012.3033.0681

1888 Prohibition Amendment Parlor Throw

"Memorial to the Constitutional Prohibition Ammendment 1888", is found on a red satin triangle on a corner of the lining.
Description
"Memorial to the Constitutional Prohibition Ammendment 1888", is found on a red satin triangle on a corner of the lining. In 1888 the Prohibition Party was beginning to achieve national strength in the presidential elections.
Founded in 1869, for the purpose of prohibiting the sale and manufacture of liquor, the Prohibition Party finally achieved the goal in 1919 with the ratification of the 18th Amendment. The 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment. Although the party still exists, it does not have the following it had in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This parlor throw was made at the height of the Prohibition Party’s popularity.
A 14-inch center block of red velvet with painted water lilies is framed by two rows of painted or embroidered 7-inch satin blocks. The use of three colors (amber, blue and black), set alternately, provides a balanced overall aesthetic. An 8 ¼-inch red velvet border completes the throw. The lining is red satin, machine-quilted in a triple diagonal grid. Five of the black satin squares have painted religious inscriptions: “Hope;” a Bible with “Tried and Proved;” “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;” Be of the same mind one toward another;” and, a cross with “Et Teneo et Teneor.” The last, meaning "I hold and am held," may have referred to the motto of a Baptist college founded by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in the 1860s. The floral and bird motifs, the spider web, and others are similar to those found on crazy patchwork of the late 19th century.
Although the maker is not known, the sentiments expressed are indicative of the types of inscriptions on decorative items that might be found in many homes during that era.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.T11462
accession number
211904
catalog number
T11462

Engraved woodblock of a "Dancer 'swallowing' the great plumed arrow"

This engraved woodblock of a “Dancer ‘swallowing’ the great plumed arrow” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 55 (p.434) in an article by Dr.
Description
This engraved woodblock of a “Dancer ‘swallowing’ the great plumed arrow” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the image was published as Figure 55 (p.434) in an article by Dr. Washington Matthews (1843-1905) entitled “The Mountain Chant: a Navajo ceremony” in the Fifth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1883-84.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
block maker
A.P.J. & Co.
printer
Government Printing Office
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
author
Matthews, Washington
ID Number
1980.0219.1112
catalog number
1980.0219.1112
accession number
1980.0219

Lunch at the old monastery/ Shoenthal

Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. (1862–1932) used a wide variety of printing processes, printing out some negatives in more than one medium.
Description
Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. (1862–1932) used a wide variety of printing processes, printing out some negatives in more than one medium. In his lectures, he pointed out that this approach to photography was important because in the hands of a photographer who “lives and understands the infinitely varied moods of nature, photography can be made to express and interpret them.” In correspondence with Dr. Olmstead at the Smithsonian, as the presentation of his gifts and bequest to the museum was being arranged, Eickemeyer wrote: “The collection illustrates the use of every important process and will, I believe, be of real educational value.”
The first of the Eickemeyer photographic collection came to the National Museum’s Department of Arts and Industries (the “Castle”), Division of Graphic Arts in 1922 at the close of a large exhibition of Eickemeyer’s work at the Anderson Gallery in New York. It was a gift from the photographer of five framed prints from the New York show that he considered representative of his work.
In 1929, Eickemeyer gave the Smithsonian 83 framed prints (including copies of the prints that he had previously given the museum), 15 portfolios, his medals and awards, and several miscellaneous photographic paraphernalia. In 1930, he made a will bequeathing most of his remaining prints, negatives, photographic equipment and other objects relating to his 30-year career as a photographer to the Smithsonian Institution.
Upon Eickemeyer’s death in 1932, an accession consisting primarily of photographic equipment from his studio came to the Smithsonian. Included in the bequest were 2 cameras, several lenses, scales, timers, printing frames, plate holders, dry mounters and a lecture case with slide projector and hand-colored lantern slides. Also included were 43 albums, journals and portfolios and assorted negatives and contact prints, many marked “discards.” There are 58 albums, notebooks and portfolios in the collection. Eickemeyer requested in his will that his gifts and bequests be called The Rudolf Eickemeyer, Jr. Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
maker
Eickemeyer, Jr., Rudolf
ID Number
PG.004135.B109.33
catalog number
4135.B109.33
accession number
106456

Plate 53. Headquarters Christian Commission, in the Field

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by James Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
One of the most striking evidences of the patriotism of the American people, and of the desire of those who were unable personally to enter the field, to render every assistance in their power to promote the Union cause, is to be found in the workings of the Christian Commission – the members of which were connected with every corps and division of the Federal Army, and who were instrumental in doing much to alleviate the sufferings of our sick and wounded soldiers, and in administering spiritual consolation to the dying.
Organized in New York on the 16th of November, 1861, and devoting itself to the interests of the army and navy, branch offices were speedily established in Washington, Philadelphia, and all our leading cities, and every little town, village and hamlet, immediately entered into the spirit of the enterprise, and poured its treasures into the coffers of the parent stem – from whence they were conveyed to the soldiers by faithful, zealous and indefatigable delegates. The women of America were untiring in their efforts to provide luxuries and comforts for our armies, and the princely liberality of our citizens, in every rank and calling, was fully and thoroughly developed. The following summary, up to January, 1865, probably is the best means of conveying an idea of the magnitude of the operations of this charitable and praiseworthy association: The receipts in 1861 were $231,256.29; in 1863, $916,837.65; in 1864, $2,882,347.86; making a total of $4,030,44. 80. During 1864, 47,103 boxes of hospital stores and publications were distributed, valued at $2,185,670.82. Two hundred and five chapels and chapel tents were erected at. a cost. of $114,359.78; and 569,594 copies of Bibles and Testaments distributed.
Libraries have been furnished to hospitals, forts, regiments, and vessels of war. Thousands of hymn-books, knapsack-books, magazines, weekly religious papers, tracts and literary productions were gladly received by the soldiers, and relieved the tedium of many a weary hour. Railroad and telegraph corporations in all parts of the land rendered gratuitous facilities in support of the institution, and, with the Government, aided the Commission very materially.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-09
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.03
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.03

Conn B-Flat Cornet

This cornet was made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Indiana in 1889. It is a B-flat cornet, serial #18014, made of silver plated brass with ornate etching on the bell, and has 3 piston valves.
Description

This cornet was made by C.G. Conn in Elkhart, Indiana in 1889. It is a B-flat cornet, serial #18014, made of silver plated brass with ornate etching on the bell, and has 3 piston valves. This cornet is engraved:

C.G.CONN
ELKHART, IND.
AND WORCESTER
MASS

and engraved on the bell:

“D.M.IRVIN.FOR THE USE OF C.P.CHURCH. JACKSON. TENN. 1889.”

This cornet was made for the Orchestra of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Tennessee, and played by the donor’s father.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1889
user
Anderson, Frank Ervin
maker
C. G. Conn
ID Number
2000.0020.01
serial number
18014
accession number
2000.0020
catalog number
2000.0020.01

Engraved woodblock of an "Indian mask from the northwest coast of America"

This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1884 as Plate XIII.20 (p.171) in an article by William Healey Dall (
Description
This engraved woodblock of an “Indian mask from the northwest coast of America” was prepared by Henry Hobart Nichols (1838-1887) and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1884 as Plate XIII.20 (p.171) in an article by William Healey Dall (1845-1927) entitled “On Masks, Labrets, and Certain Aboriginal Customs with an Inquiry into the Bearing of Their Geographical Distribution” in the Third Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1881-82.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Dall, William H.
graphic artist
Nichols, H. H.
block maker
N. J. Wemmer
ID Number
1980.0219.0165
catalog number
1980.0219.0165
accession number
1980.0219

Engraved woodblock of a "Zuni effigy"

This engraved woodblock of a “Zuni effigy” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1883 as Figure 463 (p.365) in an article by James Stevenson (1840-1888) entitled “Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the I
Description
This engraved woodblock of a “Zuni effigy” was prepared by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1883 as Figure 463 (p.365) in an article by James Stevenson (1840-1888) entitled “Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico and Arizona in 1879” in the Second Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian, 1880-81.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Stevenson, James
ID Number
1980.0219.0141
catalog number
1980.0219.0141
accession number
1980.0219

No. 87 Old Church at Santa Cruz, N.M.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880s
maker
Jackson, William Henry
ID Number
PG.006026A
accession number
224482
catalog number
6026A

Hair Flowers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1885
ID Number
DL.022467.0001C
catalog number
022467.0001C
accession number
22467

Holy Bible, the New Testament...

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
associated date
June 22, 1864
associated person
Walker, Mary Ellen McMurry
ID Number
PL.309870.01
catalog number
309870.01
accession number
309870

Plate 85. Blandford Church, Petersburg

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
"Old Blanford Church," of which a view is here presented, is a great object of interest to all visitors; the cemetery surrounding it having monuments erected one hundred and fifty years ago. The walls of the main body of the building are of English brick, imported from the mother country. The services of the Episcopal Church were first performed in 1735, and continued to be read until 1825, nearly a century. Since that time, owing to the movement of the inhabitants of Blandford to the present site of Petersburg, the church has not been used, although the cemetery, now much enlarged, still continues to be the general depository of the dead. The ivy-covered walls now stand as a historic monument of what was formerly the aristocratic portion of the city. In the cemetery the stranger is not only shown the almost obliterated slab beneath which rests the remains of General Phillips, who died in May, 1781, during the war of independence, but also the monument. erected to the memory of the brave volunteers from the "Cockade City," who left houses and friends in the war of 1812. The greater space, however, has been allotted during the last four years to the graves of "Our Soldiers," these words being cut on a simple wooden cross, to mark the resting place of the Confederate dead.
A somewhat eccentric sexton, whose father before him performed the same duties, is generally on the spot to enlighten visitors in regard to the history of the church, and is apparently much pleased to do so from the manner in which he enters upon his oft-repeated narrative. During the siege the edifice and its surroundings suffered but little damage from shot or shell, although the position was in front of the point of attack at the time of the explosion of the mine on the 30th July, 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.35
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.35

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