totemism

The belief in individual or clan kinship with an animal, plant, or object. This totem is sacred to those concerned, and they are forbidden to eat or desecrate it; marriage within the clan is usually forbidden. Totemism occurs among Pacific Islanders and Australian Aborigines, and was formerly prevalent throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Most American Indian societies had totems as well.

Totem poles are carved by indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of North America and incorporate totem objects (carved and painted) as a symbol of the people or to commemorate the dead.