RELEVANCE OF TOTEMIC CREATURES TO AFRICAN TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Abstract

In African Traditional Religion, there are certain things they believe in. However, one of those things is Totemic animals. These are animals that are revered by some towns and villages in Africa because of what they stand for in them. These totems are very important, revered and play a very important role in their lives. This paper tried to look at how the different towns and villages select their totems and what qualifies each animal to become totem. It was discovered that for an animal to become totem, it must have played a very important role in the lives of the people. At times it might be saving them from inter-tribal wars or providing for them during famine. It was also discovered that once it is unanimously agreed by the whole community that an animal becomes their totem, automatically all the members begins to pay allegiance. It was also discovered that each village has a particular day they pay allegiance or homage to theirs inform of sacrifice. Socio-cultural approach was employed in the research study. The work recommends that totems, should be respected by everyone in the community. It also recommends that those from other religion should not see it as something bad rather a way of promoting one's religion and culture.