Souvenir – Shriners Los Angeles

This inkstand is in the shape of a small orange or tangerine. Made of heavy metal, green leaves with a blossom support the orange.  The top half of the orange lifts to reveal the inkwell (no sign of hinges).  Embossed 1912, Los Angeles, Al Malaikah, all in caps. Manufactured by Whitehead & Hoag, Newark N.J. (marked on the piece).

Al Malaikah is a division of the Shriners, aka the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, which is a Masonic society that goes all the way back to 1870. Muslims believe that angels, or malaikah, were created before humans with the purpose of following the orders of Allah and communicating with humans. Muslims believe that angels, like all other creatures, were created by God. In Islamic belief, angels communicate messages from Allah to humanity.

Al Malaikah is affiliated with the Los Angeles Shriners Temple. This inkwell commemorates the 38th Imperial Council Session in Los Angeles. California.