zoomorphic
Shaped like creatures
Zoomorphic describes something shaped like or representing an animal.
The term appears most often in art history and archaeology, referring to objects, designs, or deities given animal form: zoomorphic jewelry, zoomorphic gods.
A zoomorphic door handle might be shaped like a lion's head.
The opposite is anthropomorphic—giving human form to non-human things.
Half-human, half-equine being
- minotaurBull-headed humanoid creature
- sphinxMysterious, unreadable person
- griffinLegendary eagle-lion hybrid
- chimeraUnrealistic fantasy or hybrid
phoenix · dragon · mermaid · werewolf · selkie · cerberus · hydra · gorgon
Shaped three-dimensional art
- carvingShaping by cutting away
- potteryFired clay objects
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- frescoWet plaster painting technique
metalwork · bas-relief · figurine · ceramics · engraving · textile · tapestry · embroidery
Study of armorial bearings
- totemSpiritual clan symbol
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
- insigniaDistinguishing mark of rank
- crestHighest point or tuft
motif · iconography · bestiary · avatar · mascot · sigil · talisman · standard
Moral tale with animals
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- AesopAncient Greek fable writer
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
- anthropomorphismAttributing personality to things
folktale · trickster · Reynard · Anansi · Redwall · personification
centaur
Half-human, half-equine being
- minotaurBull-headed humanoid creature
- sphinxMysterious, unreadable person
- griffinLegendary eagle-lion hybrid
chimera · phoenix · dragon · mermaid · werewolf · selkie · cerberus · hydra · gorgon · basilisk
sculpture
Shaped three-dimensional art
fresco · metalwork · bas-relief · figurine · ceramics · engraving · textile · tapestry · embroidery · vase
heraldry
Study of armorial bearings
crest · motif · iconography · bestiary · avatar · mascot · sigil · talisman · standard · banner
fable
Moral tale with animals
- allegorySymbolic tale with deeper meaning
- AesopAncient Greek fable writer
- parableInstructive allegorical narrative
anthropomorphism · folktale · trickster · Reynard · Anansi · Redwall · personification
animism
Spirits inhabit all things
- shamanismMediation between worlds
- totemismBelief linking clans to symbols
- venerationProfound admiring respect
sacred · deity · worship · ritual · fetish · taboo · cult · shrine · offering · invocation
ornament
Thing that beautifies
- motifRecurring thematic element
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
- scrollworkSpiral ornamental design
arabesque · filigree · border · frieze · relief · inlay · gilt · enamel · cloisonné · lacquer
zoomorphicanthropomorphic
Having human characteristics
humanoid · biomorphic · abstract · non-figurative · geometric
zoomorphicgeometric
Relating to mathematical shapes
abstract · rectilinear · minimalist · non-objective · non-representational