Julius Katende Totem Art Foundation

 

Introduction

 

A totem is an unusual or legendary symbol that represent s a group of people with a common ancestral origins however each clan has the major totem(omuziro) and aminor totems (akabbiro )

 

Origin

 

Kabaka kintu was the muganda recognized ruler of the Buganda kingdom in about 1200AD to use this totem-custom in order to conserve culture. This was illustrated through his preservation and safeguarding of his cow and wife Nambi which later strengthened the spiritual bonding and legacy of all Buganda clans and their totems

 

Totems are treasured in Buganda kingdom for various reasons among which are ethical ethnicity spiritual cultural political social and economical .

 

Ethical values

 

Totems helps prevent intermarriages between people that belong to and share the same clan.They also prevent people from eating their totems which can be disastrous and un cultural.

 

Political Values

 

Every totem has a political responsibility to play in the kingdom in order to ensure security and development of the kingdom through collective power dfffdowisdom and effort.

 

Social Values

 

Through games and sports activities like football (emipiira gye ' Bika) to enhance and strengthen unity, togetherness and relationship in the kingdom.Enhances social discipline.Builds personal and communal development .

Recreation.

 

Economical values

 

Educational purposes through exhibition shows of the animals that symbolize Buganda totems and other trading activities (omworeso gwe burange) wher people come and show case their cultural artworks among others.

 

Cultural significance

 

They signify cultural continuity and conservation.