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A barnstar is a decorative motif found on barn structures in Germany and the United States.

Originally a decorative form of wall anchor, barnstars were also meant to represent the mark of the builder; over time, however, they became more frequently used for aesthetic purposes. In the United States, their popularity increased greatly following the American Civil War. Their regular use preceded that time, however, and were commonplace on large buildings, particularly factories, in pre-war Richmond, Virginia.

Barnstars are seen not only on barns, but on many older buildings, often of brick. A long steel rod is passed entirely through the building; a star on either side is threaded onto the ends of the rod and they are tightened. This helps to keep the structure from collapsing. A heavily starred building should be examined for failure of the mortar, and may require tuckpointing or more drastic repairs.

Today, in the Pennsylvania Dutch area, barnstars are known as hex signs but no rods go through the center. Some hex signs still incorporate the star.

• Visual motifs