Banner
Object number2013.11.1
Date1908-1986
OriginAltoona, PA
MediumSatin/Silk/Metal/Brass
Credit LineGift of Robert Savino
DescriptionBeige silk banner with gold metallic fabric edging. Top edge has decorative fold with gold metallic fringe and embroidered gold metallic swirl decorations. Embroidered text on top and bottom in gold metallic thread with green cotton thread accenting. Embroidered multicolored image of a bishop, accented with gold metallic fringe; multicolored jewels on mitre and crosier in his proper left hand. Embroidered small child dressed in a brown Francisican robe stands to the bishop's proper left side; the child is hanging on to the bishop's robes with proper right hand. Gold metallic decoration on both sides and bottom of image; embroidered pink floral accents, with jewel in centers, also decorate either side of images. Banner is attached via six pink stain ribbons to a brass pole on top edge. Pair of pink satin ribbons on reverse side, most likely for tying banner together when rolled up.Dimensions54.5 x 43 in. (138.4 x 109.2 cm)InscriptionsEmbroidered text on top "SOCIETA SAN DONATO" and bottom "ALTOONA, PA." in gold metallic thread with green cotton thread accenting.
Historical NotesA hand-embroidered fabric processional banner from the San Donato Mutual Beneficial Association of Altoona, Pennsylvania used during the feast of Saint Donato, patron saint of Ripacandida, Italy. The donor was a third generation member of the San Donato Mutual Beneficial Association, a mutual aid society founded by Italian immigrants from the town of Ripacandida in the region of Basilicata. He salvaged the banner after the association ceased in the late 1980s and their building was consequently sold. The banner was used annually to celebrate the feast of Saint Donato on August 5, an event which replicated the original festival that occurs in Ripacandida, Italy. The festival of Saint Donato is recognized as one of the oldest saints' festivals in the Basilicata region of Italy and features antiquated folk customs, as the Roman Catholic people of the town tended toward the superstitious. Italian immigrants in Altoona brought the custom to Pennsylvania in the early 20th century and manufactured their own devotional objects, including this banner. The donor cites the creator of the banner to be the women affiliated with the organization, presumably the wives of the men.
Previous owner
San Donato Mutual Beneficial Association
(founded 1908)
On View
Not on view
1905-1915
1965
c. 1950
c. 1900