Britannica Sources used in this answer

How does individual totemism connect a person with an animal or natural object?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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.

Individual totemism establishes an intimate, personal relationship characterized by friendship and protection between a human and a specific animal or natural object. This connection often involves the belief that the totem can grant its owner special powers.1

The bond is frequently defined by a concept of simultaneous existence, where the person and the totem share a mutual life and fate. This means that if the totem is injured, falls ill, or dies, the same fate is believed to befall the human partner. Because of this deep, mystical connection, the totem is often subject to strict taboo, such as prohibitions against killing, eating, or touching it.12

This relationship is closely linked to concepts regarding the human soul, such as the idea of an alter ego or nagualism. While individual totemism is found across various cultures, it is particularly significant for socially prominent figures, including shamans, medicine men, and group leaders. In some cases, these individual totems may be passed down hereditarily or evolve into broader group totems.1