The Masonic gavel is an emblem of authority used by the Master of the lodge to show his executive power over the assemblage by punctuating its actions. In this capacity, order is maintained and a structured outcome to the proceedings is achieved.
The common gavel is also one of the working tools of the Entered Apprentice.

The National Traveling Gavel Program was implemented with the sole purpose of promoting nation wide Masonic fellowship. With this in mind the gavel has its own unique rules of travel. Having the gavel in your lodge is a great honor, as well as a huge responsibility. If your lodge has the gavel, it becomes your responsibility to try to get it into another state. Officers of the lodge are encouraged to carry the gavel out of state and present it to another lodge.