Zoomorphism

The use of zoomorphism served as a decorative element to objects that are typically quite simple in shape and design.Desmond Morris in The Naked Ape and The Human Zoo, Robert Ardrey in African Genesis and Konrad Lorenz in On Aggression all wrote from a sociobiological perspective.

They viewed the human species as an animal, subject to the evolutionary law of Survival of the fittest through adaptation to the biophysical environment.

One example of a zoomorphic object is the incense burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, today located at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Incense burners were common objects for zoomorphic forms that served as a container for aromatic material to be burned.

The hilt or handle of the dagger merges into the shape of a dragon attacking a lion who is performing the same act onto a deer.

The inclusion of Persian and Indian symbols of power was common in zoomorphic imagery on hilts of daggers.

[15] In this dagger there is a figure of a bird in front of the deer who is meant to represent the Indian deity Garuda.

Fish-shaped door handle from Germany, an example of a zoomorphic artwork
The 'Cockerel' diadem, from Calouste Gulbenkian Museum ( Lisbon , Portugal), made between 1897 and 1898 by René Lalique
Calligram of a tiger in Arabic , an example of zoomorphic calligraphy
Zoomorphic and anthropomorphic letters in the Kennicott Bible
Incense Burner of Amir Saif al-Dunya wa’l-Din ibn Muhammad al-Mawardi, dated A.H. 577/ A.D. 1181–82, created by Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali, made of bronze; cast, engraved, chased, pierced, H: 33 1/2 in. L: 32 1/2 in. W: 9 in. [ 7 ]
Bird-shaped oil lamp, dated late 12th-early 13th century, made of bronze; cast, engraved, inlaid with silver and copper, H: 8 in. L: 9 3/8 in. W: 11 13/16 in. [ 12 ]
Dagger with Zoomorphic Hilt, dated to the second half 16th century, Hilt made of copper; cast, chased, gilded, and inlaid with rubies, Blade made of steel; forged, L: 15 5/8 in. [ 14 ]