Totems
Elephant tusk close up
Totems are symbolic representations that hold cultural and social significance within a particular group or society. Totems are found all over the world, as far and wide as North America, Africa, Australia and Polynesia. They are linked to spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions and personal identities.
Another function fulfilled by the custom of totems is that they help individuals trace their lineage and ancestry. Each clan has a unique totem, which defines their heritage and separates them from other clans. Members of a totem clan are considered to be family. Marrying each other is considered taboo under the totem, which avoids incest and preserves the integrity of bloodlines.
Totems are honoured and respected.
Give your totem the place it deserves in your home.
Here are some ideas for how your totem picture can be given a place of honour in your home.
Lion close-up colour
Lion – King of the jungle
Lions are seen as a symbol of ancestral strength and protection, combined with courage, wisdom and justice. Lionesses are known for their fierce motherhood.
The totem of the clan that carries its namesake: Shumba.
Elephant
Perhaps the most charismatic of the megafauna, the elephant is the totem of the Nzou clan. Elephants are associated with wisdom and intelligence, insight and sound judgment:
Clan members often hold positions of influence and are seen as responsible for upholding justice and tradition.
Buffalo
Buffalo males are known to be good individual fighters who only give up when they stop breathing.
Buffalos symbolise resilience and strength and the ability to endure hardship.
Two zebras, tail blowing in the wind.