theriomorphism

plural theriomorphisms

1. countableuncountableThe shaping of something in the form of an animal.

   1 more example

   "Thus every form, every object, every external phenomenon," says Vignoli, "becomes vivified and animated by the intrinsic consciousness and personal psychical faculty of the animal itself. It is due to this fact that the animal gives to every observable object or force qualities and powers analogous to its own, just as primitive man projects into every unknown phenomenon some sort of anthropomorphism or theriomorphism."

   1941, George Ryley Scott, Phallic Worship: A History of Sex and Sex Rites in Relation to the Religions of All Races from Antiquity to the Present Day, London: T. Werner Laurie, page 8