Introduction

Totems are an essential component of traditional values. Throughout the history of human existence, totems have been used as a means to connect human beings to both the animal and plant worlds, in an intricately intertwined process that provides evidence of the mutual interdependence of living organisms within the cosmos. Totems are a symbol of identity and unifying factor among people. This article unveils the symbolic nature of totems as a form of identity and unifying factor in Zimbabwean and other African communities. 

Understanding the Concept of Totem

Totems are not unique to Africans alone as they have always been an important aspect of human life. A totem is any natural or supernatural object, being, or animal, which has personal symbolic meaning to an individual and to whose phenomena, and energy one feels closely associated with during one’s life. Totems do not represent only an individual but larger group such as families, clans, and tribes. Totems become a mark of identity which does not only serve as a mark of distinction but also as a point of reference in terms of identification and relational bonds that bind a person or a group of persons to the totem.

Symbolism of Totems (Mitupo/Izibongo) in Zimbabwe and Other African Countries

In Zimbabwe, totems (mitupo) have been in use among the Shona people from the original stages of their culture to identify the different clans that historically made up the ancient civilizations of the dynasties that presided over the Shona people from Great Zimbabwe. Most notably these symbols were associated with animal names. The purpose of the totem was meant to encapsulate the unity, pride, and general aspirations of a clan and its ancestry, to protect the clan against acts that were most likely to contaminate such a clan through, for example, anti-social tendencies and morally disgraceful practices such as incest and so forth. Some of the common totems that the Zimbabwean Shona and Ndebele people share are Monkey (Soko/Ncube), Fish Eagle (Hungwe/Nyoni), Lion (Shumba/Sibanda), Zebra (Tembo/Dube) and crocodile (Ngwena/Ngwenya). 

Identity of Totems in African Clans

African clans can have the same totems despite coming from different geographical locations. Amongst the Vatsonga, Vhavenda, Northern Sotho, Amandebele, Amazulu, and Shona people, to mention a few, sexual relationships and marriages are strictly prohibited between men and women who have the same totem because they are seen as related. Thus, totems become a binding mark of identity which does only serve as a mark of distinction but also as a point of reference in terms of identification and relational bonds. Totems become an allocator of identity that regulates even how an individual has to carry themselves to others.

Conclusion

It bears emphasis that totems are an essential component of traditional values and identity. In Zimbabwean and other African communities, people share similar totems. These totems are instrumental in promoting unity, creating identity and unbreakable relational bonds. 

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