This is an example of a symbol for the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, commonly known as the Shriners. It includes a scimitar (sword with a curved blade), crescent, star of Bethlehem, and head of a sphinx.
Seeing the "head of a sphinx" included in the Shriner emblem carved on a tombstone is a rarity for me. Most of the time, in my area it seems, that element is omitted.
James A. Marples, VII°, describes the emblem of the Mystic Shrine: "The official emblem of the Mystic Shrine is the Crescent. It is composed of two Royal Bengal Tiger Claws united in a gold setting by a Keystone. Inside the Keystone - on the keystone's face - is the head of a Sphinx. Originally behind the Crescent were a pyramid, urn, and star. Today, below the Crescent hangs the Star of Bethlehem. Depicted above the Crescent is a Scimitar from which the Crescent and Star are suspended." (1)
An article on Wikipedia, relying heavily on A Short History: Shriners of North Am…
Seeing the "head of a sphinx" included in the Shriner emblem carved on a tombstone is a rarity for me. Most of the time, in my area it seems, that element is omitted.
James A. Marples, VII°, describes the emblem of the Mystic Shrine: "The official emblem of the Mystic Shrine is the Crescent. It is composed of two Royal Bengal Tiger Claws united in a gold setting by a Keystone. Inside the Keystone - on the keystone's face - is the head of a Sphinx. Originally behind the Crescent were a pyramid, urn, and star. Today, below the Crescent hangs the Star of Bethlehem. Depicted above the Crescent is a Scimitar from which the Crescent and Star are suspended." (1)
An article on Wikipedia, relying heavily on A Short History: Shriners of North Am…