Totems like Shumba (lion) ,Zvou (elephant)to name a few have always been a part of Zimbabwean culture since time began. Their purpose was simple , to conserve wildlife and the enviroment. Zimbabweans had cultural links with their environment second to that of no other known culture in the world. They had a distinct culture of conservation overseen by the chief, in a tete-à-tete with the great Shona spirit Mhondoro. From childhood, everyone was taught both the material and spiritual value of trees, forests, animals, water, snakes, birds and all other natural resources. All people belonged to clans which were;and still are;identified with a particular totem. These totems forbade each clan from killing certain types of wildlife species. The totems still exist in Zimbabwe, and in Matabeleland in particular surnames such as Ndlovu, Dube, and Nyati are all totems which refer to elephant, zebra and buffalo respectively. These totems are also prevalent among the Shona people for whom inter-marriage within the same totem is strictly forbidden.

Although the system was not protectionist par excellence, these totemic groups represented interest groups for their respective animals and could not stand total depletion or abuse. Simply put you were the gaurdian of your totems sake . In todays world of global warming and poaching of wildlife this simple idea is relevent.

Totem Totes is an initiative by http://www.zimwild.com to aid wildlife in Zimbabwe , and the enviroment in general. By selecting any of our wildlife pictures featured on our site www.zimwild.com under the banner TOTEM TOTES and adding it to our custom tote bags users create a one of a kind bag they can use over enviroment damaging plastic bags . 20% of proceeds from the sale go to wildlife conservation in the African countries we operate in. Do a little more for wildlife and the enviroment TOTEM TOTES. TOTEM TOTES COMING SOON!!!, mean time feel free to visit our site.