The Fascinating African Culture of Botswana, its People and Totems

When it comes to African culture, Botswana is a rich and intriguing destination. The people of Botswana are collectively referred to as Batswana or Motswana and can be grouped into two categories: Setswana-speaking and non-Setswana-speaking. Over 60% of Batswana people trace their lineage to Setswana-speaking groups, including the Bangwato, Bakgatla, and Bakwena. The non-Setswana-speaking groups include the Bakalanga, Basarwa, and Banoka. While Botswana is a modern democracy, tribal groups, and clans still revere their ancestral totems. But what is a totem? How did totems come about, and what is their significance in today’s modern Botswana culture?

African Budget Safaris looks into some of the cultural beliefs of the exciting African safari destination of Botswana.

Elephants on safari, Chobe

What is a Totem? 

The occurrence of totems is widespread throughout Africa, and indeed, throughout the world. It is an ancient practice that identifies certain characteristics across the species divide, and intrinsically links humans to the natural world. Totems hold significant cultural and spiritual value for many of Botswana's indigenous people.

They are symbolic representations of a strong association with a particular animal or object and with the natural world in general. These symbols are used in various African cultural practices to identify clan or family affiliations, maintain a sense of cultural identity and pride, and connect individuals to their ancestral roots. In the past, chiefs would adorn their dwelling places and paraphernalia with images of the clan's totem, and today, many different clans share the same totem even though they are not related.

Hippopotamos Okavango safari

How did Totems come about? 

Totems can be chosen for a number of reasons, from aesthetic appeal to intelligence, or defining characteristics like the ferocious defence of the young. The origins of totems are often passed down through oral traditions that date back hundreds of years. No two origin stories are the same, but what is important is that the totem serves as a symbolic representation, a strong association with a particular value, as well as an important link to the natural world.

Most Batswana tribes have animal totems, the Xaniqwee the aardvark, Basubiya the hippopotamus, and the Batawana the lion. The Bawumbe are the only tribe with a bird for a totem, the woodpecker, and the Batalaunda are the only tribe who revere only a part of animals, the heart. 

Many of the origin stories have been lost over time, but below are three of the most well-known totem origin stories from the Xaniqwee, Balete, and Bakgatla.

Ardvark & Botswana people

The Xaniqwee People of Botswana: The Aardvark

It is believed that the Xaniqwee people of Botswana migrated to the Okavango Delta hundreds of years ago. To get to the Delta's life-giving waters, they first had to cross the relentless heat of the Kalahari Desert. During this time of struggle, it was the aardvark, Thakadu, who provided the Xaniqwee with food and water. The water was found trapped within the hollows of the animal’s burrow, and the aardvark thus became the tribe's totem. Today, out of respect, there are strong prohibitions on hunting or even handling the Thakadu. In short, the Thakadu remains safe amongst its people.

Buffalo, Botswana culture

The Balete People: The Buffalo 

One of the Big 5 safari animals, the buffalo has been revered for centuries, long before Europeans' dubious moniker. The Balete of Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, (the only female chief in the House of Chiefs), lives southeast of Gabarone in the Ramotswa village. It was against the background of endless conflict of the Mfecane Wars, which pitted tribe against tribe in chaotic battles which shaped this African culture, that the Balete adopted the Nare (the buffalo) as their totem. Nare is notoriously powerful, aggressive, and fiercely protective when threatened, moving together in a tight group to defend their own. The Balete adopted Nare as their totem, a fitting symbol for the army’s strength and ruthless nature. 

The Balete illustrates their link to the buffalo's nature by saying "Ke dirobaroba matlhakola" which translates as “those that bring down trees to smaller pieces, are likened to an angry or wounded buffalo breaking and crushing anything in its path”. 

Baboons Botswana

The Bakgatla of Botswana: The Monkey

The Bakgatla live in Mochudi in southeast Botswana. The tale of their totem also throws back to a time of great peril and war. While fleeing the enemy during the Mfecane Wars, the Bakgatla became trapped between a strong flowing river and the fearsome enemy. As the enemy bore down upon them, the chief observed a monkey crossing the river on a makeshift bridge-like tree. Quickly, the Bakgatla followed the monkey's example and were able to escape to safety. Kgabo, for both his intelligence, and kindness in showing the way thus became the tribe's sacred animal, and is revered even today. 

Lions Botswana, African culture

What place do Totems have in modern Botswana culture? 

African animals have captivated different cultures for millennia. In modern-day Botswana, many tribes still have strong affiliations with their totem animals. The totem is given extraordinary respect, and groups still identify strongly with the animal's characteristics. Combine this with Botswana’s successful efforts directed toward nature and wildlife conservation and you have a winning formula. 

Tradition and African belief systems play an important role in wildlife management. Animals like monkeys, lions, pangolins, hyenas, or pythons are associated with different tribes which contribute positively to conservation efforts. The totem system of African culture, in which animals serve as a clan, family, or tribal symbol, plays a crucial role in connecting people to the environment. Members of a particular totem not only refrain from killing their associated animal but also actively protect them as members of their own clan. 

Makoro canoe safari Botswana

Fascinating Botswana Culture & Wildlife

Botswana is full of fascinating people, as well as incredible natural attractions like the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari Desert. Visiting Botswana on safari is an opportunity to see the incredible natural wonders and animals, but also to become a part of a long heritage of engagement with the natural world. 

African Budget Safaris has over 160 Botswana safari packages, and tours, getting you closer to these interesting African cultures and amazing wildlife.