Zoomorphism

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Zoomorphic decoration from the Book of Kells

Zoomorphism, from the Greek ζωον (zōon), meaning animal, and μορφη (morphē), meaning shape or form. It is defined as:

The representation of deities as animals or the attributing of animal characteristics to them.
The use of animal figures in art and design or of animal symbols in literature.
The viewing of human behavior in terms of the behavior of animals.

[edit] Examples

Fenrisulfr, an ancient Norse god in the shape of a wolf.
Airavata, the king god of elephants in Indian mythology.
Clawfoot bathtub, with feet in the shape of a lion's paws.
The common representation of the Holy Spirit as a dove in Christianity.
Luke as a lion in Christianity.
A literary phrase such as "The roar of the ocean".

[edit] Common misconceptions

Zoomorphism is often mistaken for anthropomorphism, or the act of attributing human qualities to non-human things, while in fact, zoomorphism can often be better described as "the act of attributing animal qualities to non animal things".