original c. 1910-20 antique american odd and unusual ceremonial and/or initiation tableau velvet lined "hoodwinks" with intact interchangeable colored-eye fronts and adjustable black metal "blinders" or eye covers. the unique ceremonial head gear was designed and fabricated by demoulin bros. & company, greenville, illinois. the symbolism of the hoodwink is twofold: first, it emphasizes the veil of secrecy and silence surrounding the mysteries of freemasonry; second, it represents the mystical darkness, or ignorance, of the uninitiated. it is removed at the appropriate time, that is, when the candidate is in the proper state to receive light.