fetishism

In psychology, the transfer of erotic interest to an object, such as an item of clothing, whose real or fantasized presence is necessary for sexual gratification. The fetish may also be a part of the body not normally considered erogenous, such as the feet.

Sexual fetishism is usually found only in men. According to Sigmund Freud, a young boy on seeing the female genitals, usually his mother's, for the first time takes the fact that there is no penis as evidence of the supposed threat of castration. The fetishist deals with his castration anxiety by refusing to accept the fact of the ‘missing penis’ and substitutes the fetish for it.

fetishism

In anthropology, belief in the supernormal power of some inanimate object that is known as a fetish. Fetishism in some form is common to most cultures, and often has religious or magical significance.

Fetishes are believed either to be possessed by spirits or to have a magical influence gained from spirits.