An effigy is a person-like representation, usually in the form of a sculpture or dummy. Effigies are used to decorate tombs and monuments, as well as being carried in rituals such as parades, protests, and other ceremonial events. Most people associate effigies with death, distinguishing them from ordinary sculptures, and the effigy has particularly macabre connotations in some cultures.
Egyptian rulers were buried with life-size statues of themselves around 2700 BCE, according to the oldest known effigies. These statues were meant to represent the person who had been entombed, providing a home for his or her soul. The practice of carving tombstone effigies grew in popularity and was once widespread, though it has since declined.
A life-sized tombstone effigy is usually depicted in a recumbent position, as if sleeping, though some may be shown kneeling in prayer or even standing. Because many tombstone effigies are based on a death mask made of the deceased’s face, their faces can sometimes appear gruesome. Some tombstone effigies are much smaller; busts, death masks, and other types of depictions of the dead have also been used as tombstone effigies.
Grave effigies can be found in many old churches and cemeteries around the world. Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom has a number of notable effigies depicting British monarchs and other famous figures in British history that visitors enjoy seeing. Various symbolic items linked to the person’s life, such as symbols of office and the person’s accomplishments, are frequently included in these effigies.
In some parades and political events, the effigy also plays a prominent role. People who are angry with their governments have traditionally burned prominent government officials in effigy, usually after carrying dummies representing these figures down the street. Effigies can also be hung and drowned symbolically. In this case, the crowd usually does not want the person in question to die, but they do want him or her to step down from office.
Effigies are also carried ritualistically in funeral parades and parades commemorating significant historical events. On Guy Fawkes Day in the United Kingdom, for example, people parade Guy Fawkes effigies through the streets before burning them symbolically to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot’s failure.