Agalmatophilia

A paraphilia involving sexual attraction to statues, dolls, or mannequins

Agalmatophilia is a paraphilia involving sexual attraction to a statue, doll, mannequin, or other similar figurative object. This attraction can manifest in various ways, including fantasies of sexual activity with the object, or the desire for the object to come to life.

Etymology

The term "agalmatophilia" is derived from the Greek words "agalma," meaning "statue," and "philia," meaning "love." It was first coined in the late 19th century to describe this specific type of attraction.

Characteristics

Individuals with agalmatophilia may experience a range of emotions and desires towards statues or mannequins. These can include:

• Aesthetic appreciation of the object's form and beauty.
• Fantasies about the object coming to life and engaging in romantic or sexual activities.
• A desire to possess or control the object.

Psychological Aspects

Agalmatophilia can be understood within the broader context of object sexuality, where individuals form emotional and romantic attachments to inanimate objects. The psychological motivations behind agalmatophilia can vary, but may include:

• A desire for a partner who is perceived as perfect and unchanging.
• A safe outlet for expressing sexuality without the complexities of human relationships.
• An attraction to the idea of animating the inanimate, which can be linked to themes of power and control.

Cultural Representations

Agalmatophilia has been depicted in various forms of art and literature. Notable examples include:

• The myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved, which was brought to life by the goddess Aphrodite.
• The play "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw, which explores themes of transformation and idealization.
• Modern films and media that explore similar themes of inanimate objects coming to life.

Related Conditions

Agalmatophilia is related to other paraphilias and conditions, such as:

• Pygmalionism, which specifically refers to the love of an object one has created.
• Objectophilia, a broader term for sexual attraction to inanimate objects.

Related pages

• Paraphilia
• Object sexuality
• Pygmalion (mythology)
• Pygmalion (play)

Gallery

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  A poseable mannequin, often associated with agalmatophilia.