Totem
among the Indians of North America, a natural object, usually an animal, assumed as the token or emblem of a clan or family. A representation of the totem served to designate the members of the clan, much as emblems are used by members of the various fraternal orders. The totem of the Indian was pricked in the skin or on the clothing and upon weapons of the chase, domestic utensils, etc. In a way the figure of the clan totem was an idol, at least it is clear that it was regarded with reverence. The Indians of the Pacific coast set up totem poles, posts on which their totem was carved. A totem pole of this sort has been secured by the city of Seattle. Longfellow speaks of totem posts in Hiawatha.
And they painted on the grave-posts--
Each his own ancestral Totem,
Each the symbol of his household;
Figures of the Bear and Reindeer,
Of the Turtle, Crane, and Beaver,
Each inverted as a token
That the owner was departed.
Each his own ancestral Totem,
Each the symbol of his household;
Figures of the Bear and Reindeer,
Of the Turtle, Crane, and Beaver,
Each inverted as a token
That the owner was departed.
Volume V · Aiton’s Encyclopedia