What Is Anthropomorphism?
Anthropomorphism is a literary device that assigns human characteristics, such as emotions and intentions, to nonhuman entities like animals or inanimate objects.
Anthropomorphic Characteristics
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| Source: Wikimedia |
Long before the word Anthropomorphism was so well known, children were easily defining this by assigning human characteristics to their Teddy Bears and other stuffed animals.
It wasn't until I learned to crochet Amigurumi animals, that I discovered there was such a term as Anthropomorphism. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting little stuffed animals and toys.
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| Baseball Bat & Ball - Plush Toy on Etsy |
When creating inanimate objects, such as this set of 'Baseball Buddies' (baseball bat and ball), and giving them 'features', we have assigned anthropomorphic attributes to the object.
Follow along to see more adorable examples of objects with anthropomorphic characteristics.
Amigurumi Anthropomorphic Items
This plush Amigurumi cupcake and donut in cute Kawaii crochet have added features (eyes and mouth) giving a fun personality to play food items. They were created by Jessica of New Orleans and can be found in her Etsy shop called PricklyPearNola.
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| Anthropomorphic Fruit Drinking Glasses |
The same style can be applied to designs of fruit and vegetables, as seen in this vintage set of fruit drinking glasses from the Etsy shop of JillMeVintage.
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| Anthropomorphic Eggplant Veggie S&P Shakers |
Or how about some Anthropomorphic eggplants in the form of a set of salt & pepper shakers. These are available from the Little Martha's shop on Etsy.
Anthropomorphic Characters
Summary
As you can see, just about anything from handmade stuffed toys to creatures & characters, to vintage tableware can be found with anthropomorphic characteristics. Do a search for 'anthropomorphic' on Etsy or online and see what cute things you can find. The personal attributes make each of these really cute.
This review of Anthropomorphism was written and compiled by Wednesday Elf
Oh I love it when I learn something new. I had no idea there was such a word and what it's meaning was! Indeed we do love to give our "teddies" and other favorite things names and attributes! They just make those things so much more "intimate". Thank you for setting me on another path to enlightenment and finding some really cute ideas to go along with that new knowledge!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed learning about anthropomorphism, Olivia. Not only did I learn something, I actually - finally - learned to pronounce the word... LOL. Thanks for your visit.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! All of the lovely items you shared are adorable. Even from here, I can hear the mice speaking to me. lol, or maybe it is the doughnut calling my name. It doesn't surprise me one bit that you made a baseball bat with a sweet face. Doesn't look like "he" has any desire to hit that ball :) Sooooo, cute and would make the perfect gift for a baseball nut (which happens to be one of my favorite ice cream flavors). This weeks word: Anthropomorphism - love it!
ReplyDeleteMouse, I thought of you when I found those darling D&D mice. :>. Glad you liked my anthropomorphic examples.
DeleteI usually think of the term anthropomorphism in relation to animals but, of course, it also relates to inanimate objects. I love the examples you have provided, especially your crocheted baseball bat with his cute smile and those awesome mouse sorcerers!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm with Olivia, I learned something new today. I've never heard of anthropomorphic before reading your review. Thanks for the lesson and I'm loving all of these examples, I especially like the eggplant shakers.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard this term either, and love learning new things! All of the products you show here are super cute. Giving anthropomorphic features to the crocheted item is pretty original. Love that set of glasses.
ReplyDeleteI love all your very cute and often cuddly examples of anthropomorphism. As a child, all my soft toys had human characteristics. Love the crocheted baseball figure and the fruit drinking glasses!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of anthropomorphism (especially as it applies to rescue animals). Your creations are darling. I hope you will be sure to tell them I said so.
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