what the fuck is this?

i mean seriously. what the fuck are these things? This is some god damned freaky shit this is. from the 30's. if it was the 30's & I saw this & read these comments I'd have written The Stepford Wives myself.

via mefi Dilletante Press:gallery of Masonic Art. The even-handed introduction lacks the sensationalism that ususally accompanies outsiders' presentations of things Masonic, leaving the viewer free to see the art for what it is, and not for what it represents. The images of mortality are great.

It's good to see this stuff presented in a serious light. Of course, it's also good kitsch to find stuff like Masonic party supplies (sugar molds?!?) and trucker hats. And don't miss the 1930 DeMoulin Bros. & Co. Fraternal Supply Catalog No. 439

other links from the thread:
mason's diploma.jpg
carbonari: "...groups of secret revolutionary societies founded in early 19th century Italy, and instrumental in organising revolution in Italy in 1820 and 1848."
virtual tour of Welcome to the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia-- the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania