Race and ethnicity

Indications of race or ethnic background appear in visual symbolism chiefly as skin colour, physiognomy, and clothing. In auditory symbolism ethnicity or national origin may be indicated by foreign language, foreign accents, and by music. Many objects may symbolize another country or nationality, or particular cultural and ethnic heritage.

A white or pale human figure to some Asians, or a dark human figure to Europeans may indicate death. A jungle tribesman or American Indian may symbolize the noble savage; the idea of innate purity or simplicity. A cannibal or cave-dweller may indicate depravity.