The Secret of the Totem

Name: The Secret of the Totem
Author: Andrew Lang

By Andrew Lang

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Archaeology & Anthropology

About This Book

A systematic examination of the origins, structure, and social functions of totemic systems, arguing for a method that privileges comparative evidence over origin myths. The author surveys ethnographic material, especially Australian cases, and warns that totemic creation myths and ancestor-worship narratives lack direct historic value. Existing explanations by prominent theorists are evaluated and contrasted with a proposal that animal and plant names arose as pragmatic group identifiers, later elaborated into mystic kinship, taboos, and marriage restrictions. The book traces the emergence of phratries, class systems, and matrimonial rules, discusses anomalous cases, and ends with an appendix comparing American theories and methodological cautions.

About the Author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for his contributions to folklore and mythology. He is perhaps best recognized for his work "A Collection of Ballads," which showcases his interest in traditional narratives. Lang was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays and books on various subjects, including history and literature. His literary style often blended humor with scholarly insight, making his works accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his original writings, he is celebrated for his role in popularizing fairy tales through his collections, which have become integral to the study of folklore.