Masonic coral carving, Southern Italy, 19th-20th century

Height x width x depth: 5 x 2 x 2.5 cm. Weight: 14.6 g.

Red Mediterranean coral (Corallum Rubrum), carved to represent a hand; underneath, the symbol of the square and compasses, one of the most recognisable and important emblems of Masonry.

In established Masonic symbolism, the main core is the square and compasses, sometimes accompanied by the letter ‘G’ or the Holy Bible. However, in some rarer depictions, a hand also appears alongside or in connection with these two instruments. Although not an officially defined canonical emblem in all obediences, the presence of the hand can take on different meanings.