Unwrapping the Ribbons Flag

Wall hanging painted flag made of fabric, bullion and wood measuring 26" x 20". This piece measures a total of 35" long with tassels when hanging from golden cord hanger. The emergent initiate, unwrapping the blindfold ribbon and removing the coinofferings, returned by Charon as the crossing to death was foiled. The torch ofknowledge is held above. Flag found behind false wall along with eight other pictorial banners rolled and bundled in oil cloth, bound with decorative cord. The banners each feature a hand-painted symbolic image, generally an emblem set against a classical landscape. The collection of images most likely represent stages in the progression of a suppliant, one who respectfully approaches and entreats a god at their shrine or temple, toward enlightenment. The mystery cults of late antiquity such as the Eleusinian Mysteries embrace this journey of purification, supplication through offerings and sacrifices, ritual practices shrouded in secrecy, plunging into darkness and