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Totemic Tradition and Identity of Korku Tribe: An Anthropological Perspective

Vivek Kumar, Mahendra Kumar Jaiswal

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Indian Journal of Research in Anthropology 10(1):p 55-62, January – June 2024. | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10124.6

How Cite This Article:

Jaiswal MK, Kumar V. Totemic tradition and identity of Korku tribe: an anthropological perspective. Ind J Res Anthropol. 2024;10(1):55-62.

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Received : March 16, 2024         Accepted : June 25, 2024          Published : June 28, 2024

Abstract

Tribal totemism is a cultural phenomenon that is deeply rooted in their societies. It encompasses complex symbolic systems where specific animals, plants, or natural elements serve as emblems representing ancestral connection, identity, and spiritual beliefs. Totems are revered as spiritual entities, representing a connection to ancestry, tradition, and the natural world. The choice of totem is typically rooted in mythological stories or historical events, and it serves as a symbol of identity, kinship, and shared values within the tribal communities. Totem is given special importance in the Korku tribe. Korku always remains alert and devoted to their totems. The Korku tribe believes that their origin is based on a particular totem, so they think that totem has a wonderful power that protects and warns them in times of trouble. Even a specific message associated with a totem may be a premonition of some event. The Korku people consider that the totem is inhabited by a supernatural power that controls their social life. In Korku society, women often have totem symbols tattooed on different parts of their body, especially on their hands. Korku follows all the rules and prohibitions related to his totem very sincerely. Like many other tribes, Korku also has beliefs related to the origin of the totem.


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This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

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Cite this article

Jaiswal MK, Kumar V. Totemic tradition and identity of Korku tribe: an anthropological perspective. Ind J Res Anthropol. 2024;10(1):55-62.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. 


Received Accepted Published
March 16, 2024 June 25, 2024 June 28, 2024

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijra.2454.9118.10124.6

Keywords

Spiritual BeliefsReligious SymbolsSupernatural PowerClanMelghat Region

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Received March 16, 2024
Accepted June 25, 2024
Published June 28, 2024

licence


Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator. 


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