zoomorph
Beast-shaped art form
A zoomorph is an artistic representation of an animal form, or a deity or spirit depicted in animal shape.
The term appears in archaeology and art history to describe animal figures in ancient art, petroglyphs, and decorative motifs: The cave walls were covered with zoomorphs—deer, bison, and mysterious hybrid creatures.
Zoomorphic describes things shaped like or representing animals.
Half-human, half-equine being
- griffinLegendary eagle-lion hybrid
- phoenixSelf-immolating, regenerating bird
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
- dragonLegendary fire-breathing reptile
pegasus · minotaur · sphinx · unicorn · mermaid · kraken · basilisk · gorgon
Shaped three-dimensional art
- bas-reliefSculpture projecting slightly
- frescoWet plaster painting technique
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- potteryFired clay objects
carving · engraving · tapestry · embroidery · ornamentation · intaglio · cameo · motif
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- fableMoral tale with animals
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- personificationAttributing humanity to non-humans
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
totem · representation · figurative · avatar · animalistic · totemic · sacred animal · spirit animal
Carved image on stone
- artifactHuman-made historical object
- ancientVery old indeed
- prehistoricBefore documented civilization
- cave paintingPrehistoric art on stone
rock art · burial goods · ceremonial object · excavation · antiquity · relic · iconographic · bronze age
Mediation between worlds
- animismSpirits inhabit all things
- totemismBelief linking clans to symbols
- venerationProfound admiring respect
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
worship · reverence · guardian spirit · fetish · sacred · ancestor worship · ritual mask · protective symbol
centaur
Half-human, half-equine being
- griffinLegendary eagle-lion hybrid
- phoenixSelf-immolating, regenerating bird
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
dragon · pegasus · minotaur · sphinx · unicorn · mermaid · kraken · basilisk · gorgon · hydra
sculpture
Shaped three-dimensional art
- bas-reliefSculpture projecting slightly
- frescoWet plaster painting technique
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
pottery · carving · engraving · tapestry · embroidery · ornamentation · intaglio · cameo · motif · decorative
allegory
Symbolic tale with deeper meaning
- fableMoral tale with animals
- metaphorImplied identity comparison
- personificationAttributing humanity to non-humans
emblem · totem · representation · figurative · avatar · animalistic · totemic · sacred animal · spirit animal · power animal
petroglyph
Carved image on stone
- artifactHuman-made historical object
- ancientVery old indeed
- prehistoricBefore documented civilization
cave painting · rock art · burial goods · ceremonial object · excavation · antiquity · relic · iconographic · bronze age · neolithic
shamanism
Mediation between worlds
- animismSpirits inhabit all things
- totemismBelief linking clans to symbols
- venerationProfound admiring respect
ceremony · worship · reverence · guardian spirit · fetish · sacred · ancestor worship · ritual mask · protective symbol · spiritual guide