Animal figurines are small replica statues of animals that are usually made of ceramic materials, crystal, metal, plastic, or wood. These miniature ornaments are often found in homes as part of a collection and they are often displayed as a centerpiece on a shelf, cabinet, display case, tabletop and in various points of interest around a home.
The animal selected often holds meaning to the owner (memories of a loved pet) and in some instances the animal may be symbolically representative of culturally-specific beliefs. Animals are spiritually popular in many cultures (Native North American animal totems and Chinese zodiac animals are a couple that instantly come to mind) and animal figurines can be more than just a cute ornament.
As a child growing up, I remember my mother had a bunch of animal figurines displayed around our house and one year she attended a Chinese art show and picked up a porcelain water ox. According to Chinese mysticism, oxen are believed to bring stability and security to the home and she felt that this water ox figurine should watch over our home and be displayed near our front door. To this day, the water ox still resides adjacent my mother's front door staunchly watching over her home.
Have you ever decorated with animal figurines? If so, which animal and why that specific animal? Leave a comment below and let us know.
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