Manufactured by
Unidentified
Subject of
Ku Klux Klan, 2nd, American, 1915 - 1944
Date
ca. 1925
Medium
metal
Dimensions
H x W x D: 1 3/16 × 1 3/16 × 1/16 in. (3 × 3 × 0.2 cm)
Description
A token used by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Embossed on the front side of the medal is an image of an eagle on a hill. To the left of the eagle is a burning cross. Above the eagle is the acronym “SYMWAO” which stands for “Spend Your Money With Americans Only.” Below the eagle is the acronym “MIAFA” which stands for “My Interests Are For America.” The back side of the medal features the embossed phrase “NON SILBA” at top and “SED ANTHAR” at bottom. An embossed image of a pillar made up of individual vertical lines with a cross hatched design holding the pillar together at center. Beneath the pillar are more embossed lines in a haphazard design. Stars are embossed on the left and right sides.
Statement
Objects depicting symbols of hate or related to organized hate groups may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate history and culture.
Place used
United States, North and Central America
Classification
Awards, Medals, and Insignia
Type
medals
Topic
Associations and institutions
Fraternal organizations
U.S. History, 1919-1933
White supremacy movements
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Anonymous Gift
Object number
2013.231.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ca38aa55-2c7b-42aa-9598-d708f9b80e24

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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