The Concept of Totem Among the Sahariya
The Sahariya tribe also believe in the totems and their sacredness. More than 40 clans are found among them. Their clans are said to have roots in animals, plants, places, and ancestors.
Sharma and Sharma (1998) state that dog is the totem of the Gogya clan, ansa-pola tree (a native tree) is a totem for the Raichohan clan and banyan tree for the Parondiya. These totemic objects are surrounded by certain taboos, such as, a totemic animal cannot be killed and its flesh cannot be consumed, although the consumption of meat is part and parcel of their food habit. Likewise, a tree has a totemic value. It is neither cut, nor its wood used for the purpose of fuel. On special occasions, such as marriage and festivals like Holi and Diwali (festivals of colours and lights respectively), the Sahariya worship their totems. Nevertheless, after the exposure to non-tribal communities their belief in totem is on decline (Sharma & Sharma 1998:350-351).19.5
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