Zoomorphic Maps: Imagining Maps as Animals

All throughout history, humans have imagined maps in different ways. The world has been portrayed as one large continent, several different continents, as population clusters, and even as humans, what is known as anthropomorphic maps. Many of these various maps and projections can be quite creative, and some of the most inventive include zoomorphic maps, or maps that portray countries and continents as animals.

What are zoomorphic maps?

Zoomorphic maps are a type of artistic map where the geography is manipulated to resemble animals. The term “zoomorphic” itself comes from the Greek words “zoo,” meaning animal, and “morph,” meaning form or shape.

These maps are often designed with an agenda, such as critiquing political powers, mocking rivals, or promoting nationalistic pride. The animal forms are not chosen at random; they often carry symbolic meanings that reinforce the map’s underlying message.

Popularity of zoomorphic maps

Zoomorphic maps gained popularity in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, a time when nations were jockeying for power and influence. Cartographers, often commissioned by political leaders, used these maps to communicate specific narratives about the world and its political landscape.

For example, during times of war or political unrest, a zoomorphic map might depict enemy nations as dangerous or undesirable animals, while portraying the cartographer’s homeland as noble or strong. These maps served both as a form of propaganda and as a reflection of the prevailing attitudes of the time.

Zoomorphic Maps as Propaganda

For the most part, zoomorphic maps were created for propaganda purposes, portraying the world according to what point the cartographer wanted to get across. In the past, these maps typically demonstrated blatant Eurocentric ideals as they portrayed non-European countries as animals, meaning that they were uncivilized or barbarian.

For instance, a recurring theme of European maps from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries depicts the country of Russia in animal form, usually as a bear. Other zoomorphic maps are associated with strong nationalistic tendencies with the creator portraying his or her country with a strong identity.

Playing on Psychological Stereotypes

For many zoomorphic maps, sometimes the animals used by cartographers play on psychological stereotypes. For example, a French map from 1882 portrays as a wolf-like animal crushing something within its mouth. This could be playing on the fears that Europeans had of their dominant neighbor during that time period. The same map portrays turkey as a sick horse, central Europe as an owl with large eyes, and so forth. The map also includes several monkey figures dispersed throughout.

The Use of Symbolic Animals

Sometimes, the animals used for zoomorphic maps are simply symbolic. A German map from the 1850s, one of the earliest examples of zoomorphic maps, portrays European countries and empires in symbolic animal forms. Turkey is represented, not surprisingly, as a turkey while the Austro-Hungary Empire is portrayed as a two-headed eagle, a possible reference to the dual nature of that territory in the nineteenth century.

Another zoomorphic map that dates back to the period of World War I portrays Russia, once again, as a bear with France represented as the Gallic rooster.

These symbolic zoomorphic maps are not limited to just those that portray the European continent, however. There is a strong tradition for the country of Korea to portray their own country as a tiger in maps. This tradition dates back to an important figure of Korean nationalism, Choe Nam Seon, who was the writer of the Korean Declaration of Independence during the Japanese annexation of Korea. The tiger has been used in maps to associate Korea with strength and courage. Sometimes, the tiger has his mouth angled upwards towards China, and, in other cases, the tiger is angled downward. The Korean peninsula has also been commonly imagined as a rabbit.

Satirical zoomorphic maps

In addition, zoomorphic maps have often been used for satire, similar to how political cartoons are used to poke fun at people and events. A Japanese map from 1916 satirically portrays Russia as a bear, India as an elephant, China as a large pig, Turkey as a tiger, Tibet as an ox, and Great Britain as a menacing sea creature. Political cartoons from the United States have often portrayed animals as maps as well. An American political cartoon from 1812 depicts the first Gerrymander, the drawing of electoral districts to endure victories for political parties.

The octopus has been a prominent representation on zoomorphic maps. This particular animal is often used to portray countries or entities that are hungry for power and seeking to increase its influence.

For example, a satirical map from 1877 depicts Russia as an octopus stretching its tentacles in every direction. During the American Civil War, a political cartoon depicted the North’s strategy as a giant snake wrapped around the southern states. Another American political cartoon from 1888 portrayed the British Empire as an octopus with its arms in many different parts of the world.

Ultimately, zoomorphic maps are utilized by their cartographers to get some point or theme across. The earliest zoomorphic maps represented the European continent and its different political situations.

However, over time, these maps have also expanded to include countries and conditions from the rest of the world, and they show up in political cartoons from the United States. These Zoomorphic maps from the past have been created mainly for propaganda and political satire, and these maps achieve their purposes by using animals symbolically.

Examples of zoomorphic maps

“Leo Belgicus” (1617)

The 1611 “Truce Map” by Claes Janszoon Visscher, known as “Leo Belgicus,” is a prime example of zoomorphic cartography, depicting the Low Countries as a lion at rest following the Twelve Year Truce. The map symbolizes peace and prosperity, with the lion holding a lowered sword, surrounded by allegorical figures representing the benefits of the truce, such as arts, sciences, and trade. A sleeping knight, representing war, reinforces the peaceful theme, lying dormant beside the tranquil lion. However, the map also subtly acknowledges the division of the XVII Provinces, indicated by separate medallions for the North and South hanging from the lion’s sword.

Octopus map

The famous “Octopus” map, created by British artist Fred W. Rose in 1877, is a quintessential example of zoomorphic cartography, using the image of an octopus to symbolize Russia’s threatening expansion during the Russo-Turkish War. This satirical map, widely regarded as Rose’s masterpiece, portrays Russia as an octopus with tentacles extending across Europe and the Middle East, representing its growing influence and territorial ambitions.

The map reflects Rose’s Tory political views, aligning with pro-Turkish, anti-Russian sentiments of the time. The octopus motif, which Rose popularized, became a powerful symbol in later propaganda maps, evoking deep-seated fears of a malevolent force encroaching on global stability. The enduring influence of this imagery is evident in its continued use across various cultures and conflicts, from imperialism to the Cold War.

“Hark! Hark! The Dogs Do Bark!” zoomorphic map

This map of Europe from 1914 created by Walter Emanuel uses zoomorphism by depicting the nations involved in World War I as various dog breeds and other distinctive figures. Germany is portrayed as an aggressive, helmeted dachshund, while its ally Austria appears as a yapping mongrel. Other countries are similarly represented: France as a dandified poodle, Britain as a vigilant bulldog biting Germany’s nose, and Belgium as a tiny griffon caught in the fray.

The map also includes other figures, such as a Russian bear steering a massive steamroller westward and a British sailor controlling a fleet of battleships, symbolizing naval dominance. This dog-oriented interpretation vividly captures the political tensions and alliances of Europe on the eve of war, using animal imagery to convey the character and actions of each nation.

Zoomorphic maps: blend of art and cartography

Whether used for propaganda or satire, zoomorphic maps are a blend of art and cartography, reflecting the political and cultural landscapes of their time. Through creative depictions of animals, these maps have provided insights into historical events while shaping public opinion.

References

Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic satirical Maps:#2. (2011, June 16). random notes: geographer-at-large. 

Intraman. (2011, May 21). Zoomorphic maps of Korea. Koreabridge.

Masseti, M., & Veracini, C. (2016). The zoomorphic representations of the Pîrî Reis map (1513). Anthropozoologica, 51(1), 41-54.

This article was originally written on March 31, 2014 and has since been updated.

Related articles

• A Brief Look at Medieval Maps and Travel Guides
• Color to Your Heart’s Delight With These Historical Map Coloring Pages
• Atlas of Urban Geography from the 16th Century Reissued