totems

A totem is a symbol, image, or object that represents a group, lineage, or individual and is believed to have spiritual significance or protective power. In anthropology, totemism describes systems in which people or clans are associated with a particular animal, plant, or natural feature that is revered as kin or ancestor and often shared among a community.

Traditional totem use is most closely associated with Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest of North America, where totem poles, carved house posts, and panel carvings depict clan lineages, mythic beings, and ancestral narratives. Such objects can function as genealogical records, ritual props, or markers of social status. Not all groups use totems, and beliefs about the totem’s personhood or taboos vary by culture.

Totems also appear in other parts of the world as symbols of identity, origin, or protection, though the specific meanings differ. In many cases, totemic symbols are embedded in art, storytelling, and ceremonial practice and may be passed down through generations with restricted access or ceremonial responsibilities.

In modern contexts, the term “totem” is used more broadly, including in museums, education, branding, and sports, sometimes detached from their original cultural meanings. This has raised concerns about cultural appropriation and the misrepresentation of Indigenous beliefs. Contemporary communities emphasize respectful engagement, proper context, and, where relevant, consent and collaboration when using traditional totemic imagery.