What is the role of a “totem” in animistic beliefs?

In animistic beliefs, a totem serves as a representation of a spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. It is often an animal or plant that holds a significant spiritual significance for a group or individual. The totem embodies various attributes and values that the group identifies with, and it acts as a symbol of identity, lineage, and a connection to ancestral spirits. This spiritual bond often extends to rituals and practices that honor the totem, reinforcing its role as a mediator between the material and spiritual realms.

The other choices relate to various aspects of culture and society but do not capture the essence of what a totem represents in the context of animism. Wealth, artistic expression, and social status are external measures that do not encompass the deep spiritual significance and relational dynamics illustrated by the concept of the totem.