How did Birhor clans in India treat their totems as members of the group?

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totem fish mask — Totemism Totem fish mask from the Orokolo Bay area of New Guinea. Painted bark cloth over rattan frame with fringe of dried grass. Height 1.63 m.

The Birhor people of India, who are organized into patrilineal clans, maintain a profound connection with their totems, viewing them as integral members of their social group. This relationship is defined by several key practices:

Human-like Status: The Birhor treat their totems—whether animals, plants, or objects—as if they were human members of the clan. This is particularly evident in strict prohibitions against killing, eating, or destroying the totem.1
Shared Identity: The tribe believes there is a physical or temperamental similarity between the clan members and their respective totems. Furthermore, they believe that any breach of taboo against a totem will result in a direct decrease in the size of the clan.1
Ritual Representation: During the yearly offering to the ancestral hill spirit, the clan’s totem is represented by an emblem, such as a wing, skin, or twig, placed within a ceremonial diagram. This emblem serves as a symbolic representative of the entire clan.1
Respectful Conduct: If a member encounters a dead totem animal, they must mark their forehead with oil or red dye as a sign of respect, though they do not perform burial rites or mourn the animal.1