Human form and face

Related symbols include the whole human body, the head, the arms, legs, feet, hands and other parts such as shoulders, neck and knees. The expression of the facial features and the positions of the fingers and of the hands are the principle bases for symbolic communication along with light and colour, and with sound. These elements taken together, with movement of the head, torso, and limbs, constitute a 'dance' of symbolism in human behaviour and are projected in visual and auditory imagery.

In the face it is eyes and mouth that convey meanings symbolically. To a secondary extent it is the head. The symbolism is effected by position or attitude and movement. Examples are: upward turned lips (smile of approval, humour, pleasure, etc), nodding head (approval, disapproval) and closed eyes (rejection, ignorance, sleep). The fingers and hands can convey any symbolic message. Special symbolic positions, attitudes and movements of the head, eyes, mouth, hands and fingers have their own names, e.g. nod, stare, frown, fist, thumbs-down.