This is one of the most characteristic features of the human species. Humanity attributed human qualities to many external objects from the dawn of civilizations.
Basic human actions are handling the body: clean, health care, eating, etc.. This inner reality is a means through which it is possible for anybody to examine the external reality.
Thus, even in these days a very common thinking is about external objects as having human like features.
The Zodiac is a clear example of the tremendous power of anthropomorphic features in human culture.
Sky stars map is the earliest anthropomorphic map. Man at the dawn of history connected the constellations with human experience: figures, animals, and objects.
Pagan religions had many deities which had human traits such as: jealousy, hatred and love.
For example, the gods in Greek mythology, even the important ones such as Zeus and Apollo, were described as wearing human figures.
Monotheistic religious belief see, in general, as incorrect to describe the God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam as human. God has completely abstract properties.
However, it is most difficult for the average person to describe God as having no character.
Bible's creation story describes that God himself created man in his image.
The term 'image of God' is very important in Judaism, but specifies only spiritual qualities.
It does not call to simulate a physical person.
It does not connect to the Zodiac, or any other transcendent anthropomorphic expression.
Classical scholars called each map created as 'image of world' [Imago Mundi]
This name reveal the complex nature of Cartography.
Maps are a way of conveying messages influenced through culture-specific symbols.
Many ancient maps visually represented the essence of knowledge and perception of their creators’ world.
Although the modern scientific mapping use sophisticated measurement methods, it is still under the command of design aesthetic.
Accurate maps represent, against their purpose, a biased interpretation.
Any map, even the most scientifically advanced, is embedded in different content, including political, under the control of those who invited the map.
at the same time, wise use of artistic tools lets spectacular design of the maps - They are seen as works of art.
Land of Israel mapping activity was done for the longest duration in history compared to other places.
Overview of maps of the Holy Land shows that Cartography focused in one direction: an effort to be as accurate as possible in describing the landscape.
Partially successful map was created at the time of the Roman empire by Ptolemy [87-150 AD].
Despite the intensive mapping there is no trace of the possibility the land’s human figure, in any map or writing, since the Bible and up to our days.
Geography educated scholars who contemplated about the Land of Israel did so out of strict religious and scientific approach, ignoring the anthropomorphic approach.
Jewish sages drew only a few drawings of the map of Israel, especially as a simple square.
Rashi drew, in the 11th century, the country as a square with mostly the boundaries of the twelve tribes. He began a tradition which lasted until the Gaon of Vilna at late 18th century.
The ancient inhabitants of Israel did not have satellite images or even proper measurement tools to accurately map the area.
On the other hand, they were much more attentive to sounds of nature, intuitions covered the gap, and they absorbed the country's anthropomorphic image.
Land of Israel studies prove that it was an ancient tradition handed down from generation to generation.
Residents of the land throughout the ages gave names for many places according to the concept of the human form of the Holy Land. Stories of the Land of Israel, among them many Bible stories, express this.
It was a popular way to express love of country, not recognized by the educated.
To Hebrew speaker who lives in Israel today its seems that names of many places, both ancient and modern, are according to the human figure of the Holy Land. Arabic speakers will surely find many more.
Local news and events are perceived often as occurred as a result of their location according to the map.
Here are some examples of ancient names and stories of places in Israel in the spirit of Israel's human figure:
Jerusalem - rear mouth area
Phrase which the city is identified more than any is: ‘Word of God from Jerusalem’.
Jaffa - lips area
‘Yaffo’, the name pronunciation in Hebrew, is very similar to ‘Pah’ [mouth]. Whale swallowed Jonah who sailed from Jaffa.
Jericho - ear area
City of Jericho was conquered by the Israelites through the blowing of trumpets which toppled the walls.
Gaza - chin area
Meaning of ‘Gaza’, 'Aza' in Hebrew, is ‘courage’. It is appropriate to the firm chin. Samson died there a hero's death.
Haifa - nose area
‘Haifa’ is very similar to the Hebrew word ‘Af’ which is ‘nose’.
Jebel Livni - heart area
‘Livni’ is very close to ‘Lev’ - the Hebrew word for ‘heart’.
Litani River - head's top area
‘Litanis’ is prayer in Latin.
Anthropomorphism is Ergonomics both simple and sophisticated.
The Human Factor finds in it full expression.
It sends branches to all areas of life.
Human Form of the Holy Land is genuine and natural personification map.
Golden Ratio is a main way to create dialouge between man and world.
You can find the Golden Ratio in the map.
Golden Ratio is a main way to create dialouge between man and world.
You can find the Golden Ratio in the map.
