Anthropomorphism

Did you ever put your dog in a coat? I have a cousin who often dressed his dog, Barney, in natty crocheted hats. My daughter's pooch, Mabel, had her own entire wardrobe. Our late departed numpty, Bonaparte, had a variety of coats, jumpers and even boots for his return to living in Blighty after eight years in the Zambian heat. I have even been known to have coats for the chickens. Totally unnecessary, but it amused us no end.

The dictionary definition of Anthropomorphism states 'the showing or treating of animals, gods, and objects as if they are human in appearance, character, or behaviour'. We can all see this is a long-established practice if we think about ancient gods with animal heads, or even fables about animals designed to give moral messages. 

The Victorians took anthropomorphism to a whole new level. The stories of Lewis Carroll included the March Hare, the tea party host, the White Rabbit complete with fob watch and a sense of urgency, and even a walrus talking of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings.  I’ve written much about Carroll previously, and my love of his nonsense works is no secret.  We take for granted that his characters were animals depicting daily life, speaking and wearing human attire.

Victorians loved taxidermy which often included anthropomorphic stuffed animals in human scenes, none more memorable than The Death and Burial of Cock Robin by Walter Potter.  I find taxidermy an interesting mix of macabre and whimsy in one hit.  I’m also curious about the actual art and how one goes about preserving the corpse so intact. However, that’s a line of research for another day.

We surely all know the nursery rhyme of Cock Robin, but the find of the 150 year old display case of more than 30 birds depicting the sombre tome, is a tad bizarre by anyone’s standards.  Said birds are dressed according to their role in the proceedings.  The rhyme is printed at the base of the display.  Victorian anthropomorphism personification methinks.

Google Books highlights 1880 as the peak of anthropomorphism which is around the time that Jago Deaders departed this mortal coil (1881).  Whilst this is a coincidence, it is one I am greatly enjoying.  Delving further into all things Victorian to incorporate into my narratives brings me such joy.  I find it all fascinating and the visual stimulation that occurs in my creative brain goes tangential. 

Lady Delores is already primed to wear at least millinery, but I’ve been toying with boots and a bowler for Deaders as his role of butler.  Scrawny will stay bereft of attire as there is just no need.

Suffice to say, anthropomorphism being incorporated into my narrative ceramic pieces is something I intend to play with.  It can only bring extra aspects to the pieces I make, adding more layers of interest, something I strive to achieve.