TOTEMISM

Though it has been observed that there are as many definitions of "totemism" as there are scholars defining the term, some general comments can be made. Many tribal traditions believe that there is a mysterious kinship between certain animals and other natural phenomena and Native kinship groupings. There is often a feeling of affinity between a clan and its totem. There are taboos against the killing of clan animals since humans are related to the animals whose totem they represent. In some cases, totem spirits are clan protectors and the center of religious activity.

WOLVES: "Next to humans, wolves (wa-hya) were the foremost predators in Southeastern ecosystems and the totem identity of a Cherokee clan (Ani-Wahya: Wolf Clan). Wolves pruned animal communities of young, old, weak, and sick members, which helped maintain healthy herds and relieved pressure on plant populations. Wolves greatly reduced small game predation of agricultural fields and gardens, for in their absence, animals like rodents and rabbits reproduced rapidly. After feeding, wolves abandoned carrion that then fed scavengers, like foxes, eagles, ravens, and buzzards.... Wolves affected virtually the entire Southeastern food chain" (Hill, 18,19)

Wolves were never eaten, but sometimes the pelts were used the same as other furs.

Source: HILL, SARAH H. 'Weaving New Worlds"; Univ. of NCarolina Press, 1997

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