코뿔소(Rhinoceroses) 상징에 관한 연구

Abstract

A word or image can be symbolic when it implies something more than its obvious and immediate meaning. It has a broader ‘unconscious’ aspect that is never precisely defined or fully explained. Rhinoceroses may seem to look straight at their goal and run toward it, but there are countless unconscious aspects beyond the limits of human understanding, so this study investigated the symbolism of rhinoceroses and their horns in modern society and sandplay therapy. This study examined the ecological characteristics and symbolism of rhinoceroses and their horns through ancient relics, art, currency, literature, and sand trays that clients of various ages created. They are characterized by a long gestation period and exhibit instinctive maternal behavior of living away from the group to protect the baby. Rhino horns grow continuously during their lifetime and symbolizing strong power. In particular, rhino horns are primarily made up of keratin, so they are valuable ingredients in oriental medicine used for cleansing and tranquillizer effects. Some cultures also use them as ornaments for higher classes, symbolizing wealth. In ancient relics, they were used as sacred utensils in ancestral rites. Rhino horns in works of art symbolized powerful strength slamming into opponents with horns surrounded by iron armor and fertility and maternity in the figure of a goddess holding a gauntlet. In modern currencies, they are engraved with leaders to represent authority and scarcity. In religion, they symbolize the integrity and independence of the practitioner and were used to express purification and salvation in the birth of John the Baptist. In sandplay therapy, they are symbols of purification to develop self-consciousness in children and powerful strength for boys and adolescent girls unfolding heroic myths. For women in their 40s, they are symbols of motherhood and independence that indicates they should be a guide themselves to the deep inner world.