Anthropomorphism Collection (page 28)

French Postcard, c1900. Private collection

Prehistoric Peeps: A Night Lecture on Evolution, 1894. Artist: Edward Tennyson Reed
Prehistoric Peeps: A Night Lecture on Evolution, 1894. Satirical cartoon showing creatures halfway between men and monkeys listening to a lecture. The lectern is in the form of a pteradoctyl

Terracotta Gorgons head bottle
A terracotta Gorgons head from Rhodes, probably a scent bottle

Coconut-fibre mask from the Torres Straits islands
Coconut-fibre mask, with eyes of coiled wire. From the Torres Straits islands, from the British Museums collection

Detail of a Mayan pottery incense burner, 8th century
Detail of a Mayan pottery incense burner from Guatamala, from the British Museums collection, 8th century

Huaxtec culture spouted jug painted with a human face
Pre-columbian Huaxtec culture spouted jug painted with a human face, from the British Museums collection

Western inuit wooden mask, 19th century
Western inuit wooden mask, North American. From the British Museums collection, 19th century

Native American copper mask representing a killer whale, 19th century
Pacific North-Western Native American mask representing a killer whale, made from scrap copper, from the British Museums collection, 19th century

Chinese bronze lid of a wine-vessel, 11th century BC. h
Early Chou dynasty Chinese bronze lid of a wine-vessel, showing the mask, 11th century BC

Gold death mask of a Mycenaean king, 17th century BC
Gold death mask of a Mycenaean king from a shaft-grave at Myceneae, in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, 17th century BC

Bronze Scythian pole-top in the early style with later developments
Bronze Scythian pole-top from the Kurgan near Ul (Kuban ). Continues the early period style, but has later developments, such as the bird head on an ibexs neck and an anthropomorphic eye

Chimu culture copper mask
Chimu culture copper alloy mask, pierced for attachment to a mummy bundle. From the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh

Zapotec statuette of the god of lightning and rain, from the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh

Peruvian earthenware bottle in the form of a squatting figure, 5th century
Peruvian earthenware bottle in the form of a squatting figure, from Mochica on the north coast. Currently in the Victoria and Albert Museum, 5th century

Nootka Tribe Native American whalebone club, carved with an eagles head handle. From the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh

Native American dance mask, from the pacific north-west coast of America. Now in the Museum of Mankind in London

Anthropomorphic Landscape, c1600-1635. Artist: Joos de Momper, the younger
Anthropomorphic Landscape, c1600-1635

Trade card for the Fairbank Canning Company, Chicago, Illinois, c1890. Advertisement for Lion Brand corned beef. In the background, cattle are entering an abattoir and canning factory

Two pigs enjoying afternoon tea on a Christmas postcard
Two well-dressed female pigs enjoying afternoon tea on a Christmas postcard. Date: circa 1890s

Two frogs in lily pond on a postcard
Two frogs in a lily pond on a postcard. Date: circa 1890s

Frog fishing on a French April Fool postcard, with a comic verse about the frog being eaten by a mackerel. Date: circa 1900s

Five frogs with pipes and walking sticks on a postcard. Date: circa 1890s

Three frogs playing music on a greetings postcard. Date: circa 1890s

Four humanised puddings on a cutout Christmas card
Four humanised puddings with bodies made of cutlery on a cutout Christmas card. Date: circa 1890s

Scoll painting by Toba Sojo (1053-1140)
JAPAN: ANIMALS AS HUMANS. Scoll painting by Toba Sojo (1053-1140)

Advertisement for Monkey Brand metal cleaner in the March 1907 edition of The Graphic, a weekly illustrated newspaper, published in London from 1869 to 1932

Southern Elephant Seal bull growling at a gentoo penguin on the beach, Antarctica
Close-up of a southern elephant seal bull (Mirounga leonina) on the beach growling at a gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) passing by; South Georgia Island, Antarctica

Southern Elephant Seal pups play fighting, Antarctica
Portrait of two southern elephant seal pups (Mirounga leonina) with comical expressions play fighting; South Georgia Island, Antarctica

Great horned owl, owlet with its wings raised in the air, YNP, USA
Close-up portrait of a great horned owl, owlet (Bubo virginianus) looking at the camera from behind a tree log with its wings raised up together in the air; Yellowstone National Park

Three dogs and a cockatoo having a dinner party and toasting each other. From The Strand Magazine, published January to June, 1894

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Anthropomorphism, the art of attributing human characteristics to non-human entities, has been a fascinating subject throughout history. Dating back to 1891, when A Select Committee first delved into this concept, it has captivated our imaginations and sparked creativity in various forms. Take for instance Henry Stacy Marks' creation - a whimsical Christmas card showcasing cats enjoying a lively party. The feline creatures seem almost human as they revel in the holiday spirit. Similarly, an alligator dressed up to meet you in Florida adds another layer of anthropomorphic charm. Even advertising cards have embraced this enchanting phenomenon. Thoms Castile Soap of Manchester cleverly depicts animals engaging in everyday activities like carrying food or ice skating on Christmas cards. These seemingly ordinary moments become extraordinary when we witness frogs gliding gracefully or owls diligently ringing bells. The magic continues with a Birthday Greetings postcard featuring a family of cats at home, celebrating just like humans do. And who can resist the adorable sight of six owl bellringers spreading joy during the festive season? But anthropomorphism doesn't stop there; it extends its reach even into poster advertisements. Pettijohns breakfast food is promoted through an image that showcases animals gathering around a table as if sharing a meal together - reminding us that these creatures possess relatable qualities too. In literature and art alike, anthropomorphism takes center stage. "Three Little Kittens" tells us tales where kittens behave much like mischievous children while Alice encounters the Dodo bird who exhibits human-like traits despite being part of the animal kingdom. Lastly, imagine encountering a turkey playing the role of a banker. This humorous portrayal exemplifies how they are inject humor and playfulness into unexpected scenarios. From Victorian times to modern-day interpretations, anthropomorphism remains an enduring fascination for artists and storytellers alike. It allows us to connect with nature's creatures on deeper levels by attributing human qualities to them.