Most commonly an animal utilized by nomadic tribesmen as a representation of mythic ancestor of the group; venerated as a progenitor and protector (p 89)
In some societies, a family's totem is the particular animal, plant, or natural object which they regard as a special symbol and which they believe has spiritual significance
An object, such as an animal or plant, that serves as the emblem for a lineage or clan The totem often serves as a symbolic representation of a guardian spirit or an ancestor
emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant; serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians)
emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant; serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among American Indians) a clan identified by their kinship to a common totemic object
a plant or animal associated with a clan as a means of group identification It may have other significance for the group as well
in Australia, (a somewhat inadequate term) used to refer to the connection between people, ancestral beings and the landscape (their clan estate) and includes the fauna and flora associated with it (often called "totemic species")
An object or thing in nature, often an animal, assumed as a token or emblem of a clan, tribe, family or related group
Something that is a totem of another thing is a symbol of it. This opera is one of the cultural totems of Western civilisation. an animal, plant etc that is thought to have a special spiritual connection with a particular tribe, especially in North America, or a figure made to look like the animal etc (ototeman )
A rude picture, as of a bird, beast, or the like, used by the North American Indians as a symbolic designation, as of a family or a clan
A totem pole is a long wooden pole with symbols and pictures carved and painted on it. Totem poles are made by some Native American peoples and placed outside their homes. Carved and painted vertical log, constructed by many Northwest Coast Indian peoples. The poles display mythological images, usually animal spirits, whose significance is their association with the lineage. Each figure represents a type of family crest. Some poles relate a family legend in the form of pictographs. Poles are erected to identify the owner of a house or other property, welcome visitors, indicate a portal or passageway, mark a gravesite, and even to ridicule an important person who failed in some way. See also symbol; totemism
A pole or pillar, carved and painted with a series of totemic symbols, set up before the house of certain Indian tribes of the northwest coast of North America, esp