Fetishism

Fetishism, a term used in anthropology to identify the concept of devotion to objects, and in psychology to identify the concept of devotion to desires.

In anthropology, fetishism applies to a form of belief and religious practice in which supernatural attributes are imputed to material, inanimate objects, known as fetishes. The practice includes magic, often with many attendant ceremonies and minor rituals. The fetish itself is usually a figure modelled or carved from clay, stone, wood, glass, or other material in imitation of a deified animal or other object. Frequently it consists of fur, feathers, hair, or a bone or tooth of a tutelary (guardian) animal. Sometimes it is the animal itself, or a tree, river, rock, or place associated with the tutelary in the mind of the devotee. In some cases the belief is so definitely crystallized about the object that the original connection with the tutelary is obscured, and the belief merges into idolatry. At one time fetishism was thought to be practised only in West Africa, but it is now known to prevail among peoples in all lands. Anthropologists in the 19th century limited the use of the term to the doctrine of potencies (spirits) attached to, or conveying influence through, material objects. According to more recent data, however, fetishes need not be connected with spirits, except to the extent that they are employed to thwart malevolent beings. See Taboo.

In psychology, the term fetishism applies to a sexual disorder in which sexual urges and fantasies persistently involve the use of nonliving objects by themselves or, at times, the use of such objects with a sexual partner. Common fetishes in Western society are feet, shoes, and articles of women's underwear. In general, psychologists believe that fetishism serves to alleviate feelings of sexual inadequacy, usually among males.