The Divine Miss Piggy: A Quick Look at Anthropomorphizing the Muppets

Written by
Debra A. Reid
Published6/14/2021
Get a quick take on what "anthropomorphism" is — and how Jim Henson used it to bring the Muppets to life. Then check out other examples from our collections.

The Divine Miss Piggy: A Quick Look at Anthropomorphizing the Muppets

Written by
Debra A. Reid
Published6/14/2021

Christmas ornament of pig in blue gown with purple shoulder-length gloves, blonde hair, and pink angel wings
Hallmark "The Divine Miss Piggy" Christmas Ornament, 1981 / THF178755

In the imaginary worlds that Jim Henson created, Miss Piggy could fly like an angel—and she could sing, dance, and ice skate.

How did Henson accomplish this? He turned to anthropomorphism, endowing an animal or an inanimate object with human characteristics. And he created fanciful situations that helped members of the audience share in the fun.

Pigs don’t fly…. Oh, but they can, in the hands of a master of imagination like Jim Henson.

Puppet of pig with blonde hair wearing purple dress and purple shoulder-length gloves
Miss Piggy Hand Puppet, 1981-1982 / THF305716

To see more items in The Henry Ford’s collections that show the ways that others have used personification and anthropomorphism, consult this Expert Set.


Debra A. Reid is Curator of Agriculture and the Environment at The Henry Ford.

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