
For thousands of years, Aboriginal peoples have lived in close connection with the nature, developing intricate relationships with the animals they share the land with. Through their animal totems, these communities have found guidance, protection, and a deep sense of belonging to the earth. While not all Aboriginal peoples practice totemism, those who do offer a fascinating glimpse into a worldview that cherishes the interconnection between all living things.
Totemism in Aboriginal Peoples
Totemism is a cultural phenomenon found in many Aboriginal peoples and characterized by the belief in the existence of a mystical relationship between humans and nature, especially animals. As with other totemistic indigenous peoples around the world, totems are seen as symbols that reflect the deep connection between humans and nature and are considered an important element of Aboriginal culture.
Origins of Totemism in Aboriginal Peoples
The exact origins of totemism in Aboriginal peoples are still a subject of scholarly debate. There is no clear consensus on how or when it emerged. Nevertheless, what is clear is that totemism has been an essential and enduring aspect of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years, woven into the fabric of their daily lives and social organization.
Archaeological evidence suggests that totemism in Australia may have emerged during the Paleolithic period, when the continent was inhabited by hunter-gatherer groups.1

Photo: Martyman at the English Wikipedia (Wikimedia) ©️CC BY-SA 3.0
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, European explorers and anthropologists began documenting their observations of Aboriginal peoples, which included their totemic beliefs and practices.2 These early records offered valuable insights into the intricate and multifaceted nature of totemism in Aboriginal cultures, which were closely linked with their cosmological beliefs, mythology, and social structures. Through these records, scholars gained a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which totems were used to regulate social organization, spiritual practices, and the relationships between humans, animals, and the nature.
Significance of Totemism in Aboriginal Culture
In Aboriginal peoples, totemism was not simply a matter of identifying with a particular animal or plant species. It was a multifaceted system of meaning and symbolism that pervaded all aspects of social life. Totemic animals and plants were believed to possess spiritual power and significance, and were regarded as sacred beings with whom humans could communicate and form relationships. These relationships were based on mutual respect and reciprocity, and were essential for maintaining social harmony and balance.
One of the key functions of totemism in Aboriginal peoples was to establish and maintain social identity and cohesion. Each clan or tribe was associated with a particular totemic animal or plant, which served as a symbolic representation of their shared identity and ancestry. The totemic system provided a framework for organizing social relationships, including marriage and kinship ties, and for regulating access to resources such as land, water, and food. It also provided a means for resolving conflicts and mediating disputes between clans and individuals.
Another important function of totemism in Aboriginal peoples was to facilitate communication with the spiritual realm. Totemic animals and plants were believed to have a direct connection to the ancestral spirits and the Dreaming, which was the Aboriginal cosmological framework that explained the origins of the world and the relationships between humans, animals, and the environment. Through rituals and ceremonies, individuals and clans could access the power and knowledge of the ancestral spirits and gain insight into the mysteries of the universe.
The significance of totemism in contemporary Aboriginal peoples remains a topic of debate among scholars and indigenous communities. Some argue that it is an essential part of indigenous cultural heritage and identity, and that efforts should be made to preserve and revitalize totemic traditions. Others argue that totemism is a relic of the past that is no longer relevant to modern indigenous communities, and that it may even hinder efforts to achieve social and economic progress.
Animal Symbolism in Aboriginal Beliefs
In Aboriginal totemism, each animal is believed to possess a unique set of characteristics and traits that can be used to represent different aspects of the human experience. These characteristics may include physical attributes such as speed or strength, but also emotional or spiritual qualities such as wisdom, loyalty, or courage. The following table provides some examples of animals commonly used in Aboriginal totemism, along with their symbolic meanings:
Ant | Hard work, diligence, community, and determination are some of the values associated with the ant. It is seen as a role model for those who value persistence and teamwork. |
Bandicoot | The bandicoot symbolizes creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability. It teaches us to make the most of what we have and to be resilient in the face of adversity. |
Bat | The bat represents death and rebirth, transformation, and initiation in Aboriginal culture. It is also a symbol of the spirit world and the unknown, as it is a creature of the night. |
Black Swan | The black swan is a symbol of beauty, grace, and elegance. It also represents the deep mystery and hidden beauty within ourselves and our world. |
Brolga | The brolga symbolizes dance, harmony, and balance. It is a graceful bird that inspires us to find our own rhythm in life and to live in harmony with others. |
Cockatoo | The cockatoo represents communication, self-expression, and sociability. It is a reminder to be true to ourselves and to communicate our thoughts and feelings honestly and openly. |
Dolphin | The dolphin is a symbol of playfulness, joy, and freedom. It reminds us to enjoy life and to take pleasure in the simple things. It is also associated with intelligence, intuition, and inner strength. |
Echidna | The echidna symbolizes protection, defense, and self-preservation. It is a reminder to stay grounded and protected, and to be resourceful and resilient in the face of danger. |
Emu | The emu represents endurance, strength, and resilience. It is a reminder to keep moving forward and to persevere in the face of adversity. It also symbolizes loyalty and devotion to family and community. |
Goanna | The goanna is a symbol of transformation and regeneration. It teaches us to shed our old skin and embrace new growth and change. It also represents independence, freedom, and self-sufficiency. |
Kangaroo | The kangaroo symbolizes strength, power, and agility. It also represents balance, stability, and the ability to move forward. The kangaroo is a reminder to stay grounded and to be mindful of our surroundings. |
Koala | The koala represents intuition, nurturing, and protection. It is a reminder to trust our instincts and to protect those we love. It also symbolizes adaptability and the ability to find comfort in difficult times. |
Kookaburra | The kookaburra represents laughter, joy, and good humor. It reminds us to find the joy in life and to not take things too seriously. It is also associated with clarity, insight, and intuition. |
Lizard | The lizard is a symbol of transformation, growth, and regeneration. It teaches us to adapt to changing circumstances and to shed our old skin. It also represents the power of observation and the ability to blend in with our surroundings. |
Pelican | The pelican symbolizes sacrifice, selflessness, and generosity. It is a reminder to give of ourselves and to help others. It also represents abundance, nourishment, and the ability to find sustenance in difficult times |
Snake | A symbol of fertility, renewal, and transformation. It is also associated with healing, protection, and the cycle of life and death. |
Turtle | A symbol of longevity, patience, and wisdom. It represents the importance of respecting the natural world and living in harmony with it. |
Wallaby | A symbol of agility, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It teaches the importance of staying agile and being able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances. |
List of Aboriginal Peoples and Their Animal Totems
The relationship between Aboriginal peoples and their environment is ingrained in their culture and spiritual beliefs. One aspect of this relationship is the concept of totems, which are symbols or objects that represent a particular clan or family group. These totems are often associated with a particular animal or plant and are seen as a source of spiritual guidance and protection for the group.
The table below shows a selection of Aboriginal peoples and their totems. Note that the totems listed can vary depending on the source and the variation within each Aboriginal group.
Name | State | Animal Totems |
Anaiwan | NSW | Kangaroo, Emu, Echidna, Koala, Black snake, Carpet snake, Goanna, Honey bee |
Arrernte | NT | Red kangaroo, Desert Rat, Witchetty Grub, Honey ant, Perentie, Bush turkey, Thorny devil, Sand goanna |
Awabakal | NSW | Dolphin, Black snake, Koala, Grey Kangaroo, Kookaburra, Lyrebird, Magpie, Pelican |
Barkindji | NSW | Red kangaroo, Murray cod, Emu, Goanna, Brown snake, Barking owl, Black swan, Pelican |
Bidjara | QLD | Emu, Kangaroo, Carpet snake, Dingo, Black cockatoo, Brolga, Frilled-neck lizard, Goanna |
Birpai | NSW | Koala, Bandicoot, Dingo, Eastern grey kangaroo, Pelican, Osprey, Wallaby, Flying fox |
Bundjalung | NSW | Dolphin, Pelican, Carpet snake, Emu, Sea turtle, Sea eagle, Black cockatoo, Kangaroo |
Dharawal | NSW | Black swan, Eel, Grey kangaroo, Kookaburra, Wallaby, Snake, Magpie, Dolphin |
Eora | NSW | Grey nurse shark, Stingray, Wallaby, Flying fox, Possum, Dolphin, Penguin, Osprey |
Gamilaraay | NSW | Red kangaroo, Goanna, Emu, Brolga, Black cockatoo, Carpet snake, Bandicoot, Echidna |
Githabul | NSW | Black snake, Red-bellied black snake, Lace monitor, Brush turkey, Kookaburra, Platypus, Satin bowerbird, Sacred kingfisher |
Gunditjmara | VIC | Eel, Koala, Kangaroo, Black swan, Pelican, Snake, Wallaby, Possum |
Kamilaroi | NSW | Emu, Kangaroo, Goanna, Brolga, Black cockatoo, Carpet snake, Brown snake, Wombat |
Kaurna | SA | Dolphin, Red kangaroo, White-bellied sea eagle, Koala, Magpie, Rainbow lorikeet, Brown snake, Brush-tailed possum |
Kija | WA | Barramundi, Brolga, Emu, Kangaroo, Monitor lizard, Red-tailed black cockatoo, Turtle, Turkey |
Kulin | VIC | Red-tailed black cockatoo, Grey kangaroo, Emu, Brolga, Turtle, Goanna, Platypus, Black swan |
Larrakia | NT | Crocodile, Barramundi, Mud crab, Sea turtle, Osprey, Brolga, Dolphin, Pelican |
Martu | WA | Perentie, Honey ant, Bush turkey, Goanna, Red kangaroo, Bustard, Eagle, Snake |
Meriam | QLD | Dugong, Turtle, Shark, Saltwater crocodile, Dolphin, Porpoise, Stingray, Octopus |
Murrawarri | NSW | Emu, Kangaroo, Carpet snake, Brolga, Cockatoo, Pelican, Crow, Fish |
Ngarluma | WA | Dugong, Turtles, Dolphin, Shark, Crab, Manta ray, Octopus, Hammerhead shark |
Ngunnawal | ACT | Kangaroo, Emu, Possum, Rainbow Lorikeet, Carpet Snake, Black Swan, Echidna, Platypus |
Noongar | WA | Kangaroo, Emu, Black Swan, Crow, Western Grey Kangaroo, Magpie, Carpet snake, Willy Wagtail |
Nyamal | WA | Emu, Kangaroo, Goanna, Crow, Black-headed python, Bowerbird, Monitor lizard, Red-tailed black cockatoo |
Nyangumarta | WA | Honey ant, Emu, Desert oak, Bowerbird, Kangaroo, Mulga snake, Euro, Goanna |
Nyikina | WA | Freshwater crocodile, Black-headed python, Turtle, Snake, Brolga, Ibis, Red kangaroo, Honey ant |
Paakantyi | NSW | Emu, Kangaroo, Carpet snake, Crow, Goanna, Barking owl, Murray cod, Redfin |
Palyku | WA | Emu, Kangaroo, Bustard, Honey ant, Sand goanna, Red-capped robin, Rainbow bee-eater, Mallee fowl |
Pitjantjatjara | SA | Honey ant, Perentie, Mala (Rufous hare-wallaby), Emu, Wedge-tailed eagle, Sand goanna, Rock wallaby, Kangaroo |
Warlpiri | NT | Honey ant, Goanna, Thorny devil, Black-headed python, Rock wallaby, Perentie, Emu, Wild turkey |
Warumungu | NT | Red kangaroo, Bush turkey, Emu, Honey ant, Brolga, Freshwater crocodile, Black-headed python, Thorny devil |
Wiradjuri | NSW | Emu, Kangaroo, Black swan, Eaglehawk, Eel, Crow, Murray cod, Carpet snake |
Wongatha | WA | Emu, Kangaroo, Goanna, Honey ant, Rock wallaby, Thorny devil, Mallee fowl, Bowerbird |
Worimi | NSW | Dolphin, Stingray, Emu, Pelican, Kangaroo, Koala, Echidna, Black swan |
Wunambal | WA | Turtle, Saltwater crocodile, Whale, Dugong, Rock wallaby, Honey bee, Stingray, Hammerhead shark |
Yawuru | WA | Black-tailed godwit, Dugong, Dolphin, Humpback whale, Whale shark, Turtle, Stingray, Osprey |
Yindjibarndi | WA | Emu, Kangaroo, Brolga, Goanna, Red-tailed black cockatoo, Honey ant, Thorny devil, Carpet snake |
Yorta Yorta | VIC | Turtle, Eel, Murray cod, Redfin, Koala, Kangaroo, Emu, Carpet snake |
Yuin | NSW | Sea eagle, Pelican, Dolphin, Whale, Black swan, Echidna, Flying fox, Goanna |
Yulparija | WA | Kangaroo, Emu, Goanna, Brolga, Blue-tongued lizard, Carpet snake, Honey ant, Mala (Rufous hare-wallaby) |
Yungngora | WA | Emu, Kangaroo, Brolga, Black-headed python, Sand goanna, Honey ant, Thorny devil, Rainbow bee-eater |
- “Archaeology of Ancient Australia”, Peter HISCOCK, Routledge; 1st edition, ISBN: 9780415338110[↩]
- “The Dreaming & Other Essays” William Edward Hanley STANNER, Black Inc. Agenda, ISBN: 9781921870187[↩]