Animal Figurines

Animal Figurines

Animal figurines are fine collectibles, small statues that represent living animals, usually animals in their natural habitats. They may be made from stone, ceramic, porcelain or wood. Figurine art dates back to the renaissance period and has been used to decorate churches, porches, offices and private homes. They range in size from a pinhead size to that of an adult human.

There are many different types of animal figurines produced by a variety of artists. The most commonly seen animals are those that are made from clay. These animals include frogs, flowers, fish, lizards and snakes. However, some collectors focus their collections on other types of mediums including, wooden figures, ceramic, plastic and metal.

Animal figurine collecting is a popular hobby enjoyed by many people. Some people start their collections when they are young children, while others take on the hobby later in life. The majority of animal figurines sold on the market today were first created during the renaissance or Baroque periods. This means that the artists who created them likely did not know that their creations would become well known world wide, much less that they would have a lasting impact on collectors all around the world.

One of the most popular animal figurines is that of a lion, with its mane of hair flowing in the wind. Collectors also love to see ancient Egyptian and Greek statues of lions. Early Neolithic figurines such as those found at El Sidon, Cyprus, show animals such as deer, sheep, goat and hares; these pre-historic animals provide valuable insight into the lifestyles of ancient people.

Another popular animal figurine is that of a giraffe, a symbol of beauty and luxury for ancient Egyptians. Another animal figurine that proves valuable is that of a dolphin. These two animals show different aspects of life in different forms; for example, a Dolphin shows strength and courage, while a giraffe shows a woman's beauty and grace. Early Mesopotamian animal figurines such as those found at Ur, dated between the 2nd millennium BC and the 3rd millennium BC, depict different types of domestic animals.

The earliest type of animal figurines that can still be found today are those made out of clay, although they can be found in various sizes. The earliest kinds of animal figurines were created in response to the needs of day-to-day living; people needed something to keep their livestock on farms, such as bowling or crocks so that they can feed their animals. Figurines were first used in temples dedicated to the gods of the temples; today there are numerous examples of religious animal figurines throughout the world. Collectors love to find complete sets, which often include busts, statuettes, bowls and ceramic or terracotta figures.