What is a totem in Indigenous religions?

A totem in Indigenous religions is an object, animal, or plant believed to possess spiritual significance and to serve as a symbol of a particular group, clan, or tribe. Totems are often thought to embody the spirit of the entity they represent and can convey a sense of identity and connection to the natural world. They serve various purposes, such as guiding and protecting the members of the group, fostering a sense of belonging, and serving as a marker of cultural heritage.

In many Indigenous cultures, the totem also plays a vital role in storytelling and oral traditions, connecting individuals to their ancestry and communal narratives. This relationship with totems emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the environment, illustrating how deeply intertwined spirituality and nature are in Indigenous worldviews.

Other options represent different concepts that do not encapsulate the essence of what a totem is in these traditions. Sacred texts, deities, and musical instruments each have their own specific roles and meanings in religious and cultural practices but do not convey the unique function of a totem as a representative symbol and spiritual entity within Indigenous religions.