A Cute Review of Anthropomorphism

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

Source: Wikimedia

Cartoons and animated movies are a common place to see anthropomorphic examples.  These characters, though animals, can walk and talk, sing and dance. Sometimes they are even dressed in clothes. Some fun and well-known examples of anthropomorphic animals in movies and on TV are the Disney favorites such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Winnie-the-Pooh is also a delightful example of an anthropomorphic animal. 

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.

Baseball Bat & Ball - Plush Toy

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

Amagurumi Dessert Pattern Bundle for Crochet PlayfoodCheck Price

This cute collection of crochet patterns for Amigurumi Play Food lets you create your own Anthropomorphic characters with this pattern set from the Etsy Shop of Soft Stitch Byanie. The bundle includes 6 crochet patterns of a donut, a cupcake, ice cream, a cake slice and a macaroon cookie.

Each design is made with a kawaii style (cute faces + soft pastel colors) that kids love.

Anthropomorphic Eggplant Salt & Pepper ShakersCheck Price

Or how about some Anthropomorphic eggplants in the form of a set of salt & pepper shakers. These are available from the Ivy Patch Vintage Shop on Etsy.

Anthropomorphic Characters

Anthropomorphic mouse sorcerers

How about some anthropomorphic mouse sorcerers. These miniature creatures were designed by Katie and Andy Muth for use in D&D and War Games. They can be found in their Etsy Shop GriffonCoMinis. 

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

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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