Urban Animals - Art Gallery of Alberta

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The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program Animals in Mythology and Symbolism continued Many Native American groups also believed that they were descended from a particular animal. This animal became the groups totem and a powerful symbol of its identity. Many also believe that each person has a magical or spiritual connection to a particular animal that can act as a guardian, a source of wisdom, or an inspiration. Animals also helped shape human existence by acting as messengers to the gods. During the Middle Ages animals were an essential aspect of almost every facet of life. They formed the back-bone of an agrarian economy, served as instantly recognized visual symbols, and were imagined to be the fantastic inhabitants of unknown realms. In Christian art animals always occupied a place of great importance and representations of real and imagined beasts were found in monumental sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, and stained glass windows. With the beginning of the thirteenth century, Gothic art affords the greatest number and best representations of animal forms. During this period ‘bestiaries’, popular treatises on natural history, were fully illustrated in the sculptural work in the great cathedrals. Medieval Manuscript Page Medieval Tapestry examples (Lion and Unicorn) The Cloisters Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, New York Animals were either used as purely decorative elements in medieval artwork or served symbolic functions. Many Catholic saints, for example, are illustrated with animals that accompany them and represent certain of the saint’s qualities or aspects of the saint’s story. St. Hubert, for example, is often portrayed with a stag as, according to his story, it was an encounter with a stag with a crucifix between its antlers which led to his conversion to Christianity. St. Jerome, the great teacher of the early Church, is often portrayed with a lion, based on the story that he removed a thorn from its paw. The lion, in gratitude, remained Jerome’s faithful companion for the rest of its life. AFA Travelling Exhibition Program, Edmonton, AB. Ph: 780.428.3830 Fax: 780.421.0479 youraga.ca
The Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program Animals in Mythology and Symbolism continued In both Christian and Native North American sources, animals were ascribed a number of symbolic meanings. Among these are: Antelope - action Bear - strength, dreaming, introspection, power and protection, leadership Buffalo - prayer, abundance, survival needs, good fortune, healing Elephant - commitment, strength, astuteness Elk - stamina, pride, power, majesty, freedom Fox - cunning, intelligence, tricksters, shape-shifters Frog - symbolizes renewal, fertility and springtime; healing, health, honesty, purification. Also a guardian symbol: when strangers approached the croaking of the frog would serve as a warning. Giraffe - grounded vision Moose - self esteem and assertiveness Mountain Lion/Cougar - wisdom, leadership, swiftness Owl - deception, wisdom, clairvoyance, magic. Some Native American groups perceive the owl as a harbringer of death, while others see owls as guardians of both the home and the village. Rabbit - fear, fertility, magic, speed, swiftness, longevity Deer - graceful gentleness, sensitivity, compassion, kindness Wolf - teacher, A guide to the sacred Zebra - individuality AFA Travelling Exhibition Program, Edmonton, AB. Ph: 780.428.3830 Fax: 780.421.0479 youraga.ca
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Urban Animals - Art Gallery of Alberta

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