Totem- an animal part of an animal , a plant or any part of it that is thought to have spiritual connection

with a particular tribe or individual.

Examples

TRIBES TOTEM

BAROLONG TSHIPI

BATALAOTE PELO(heart)

BAKWENA KWENA

ROLE OF TOTEISM IN CONTEMPORARY BOTSWANA

-Used for conservation -some animals or plant are not touched or eaten hence they is no harm caused to
them as they are not allowed to be touched or eaten hence they multipy in number and become
attractive to the tourists which will promote the source of foreign exchange and beautify them.

-Used to remember the culture of one's tribe -there are stories or myths associated with totems or
eachtribe e.g bangwato chief Khama of Bangwato

-Used for identification-a totem gives a person social identity. It gives people a sense of belonging.It
distinguishes one tribe from others.

-used for greetings - some people greet each other -using their totems so as to show respect e.g dumela
kwena

-Totems enhance social unity /social cohensionand social solidatry-People who have the same totem
feel of unity as a family but not necessarily by blood.

FLIPSIDE

-Causes discrimination between people.