Effigy

An effigy is a crude representation or image of a person, often a disliked public figure, that is made to be destroyed or otherwise treated with disrespect as a form of protest or symbolic punishment. Traditionally, effigies are crafted from materials like straw, wood, or papier-mâché and are often burnt, hanged, or otherwise defaced to express strong disapproval or anger towards the individual represented. Effigies can be seen throughout history as tools for social commentary and political expression. The symbolic destruction serves to humiliate or mock the person the effigy represents, providing a powerful visual statement.

Effigy meaning with examples

• During the protests against the controversial new tax laws, angry demonstrators constructed an effigy of the finance minister and burned it in the town square, expressing their outrage at the new legislation and government policies.
• The student body, frustrated by the principal’s strict new policies, built an effigy of him during the school's homecoming bonfire. It served to voice their resentment towards the recent measures implemented.
• Following the dictator's overthrow, citizens built and then publicly desecrated an effigy of the former leader. The action represented their collective relief at the dictator's removal from power.
• The satirical art piece showcased an effigy of the president made of recycled materials. Its intentional imperfections were a clear reference to corruption within the political ranks and government issues.
• To express their disdain for corporate greed, activists created an effigy of the CEO. They placed it in front of the company headquarters, drawing attention to the company's questionable business practices.