Manifestations of totemism in contemporary sculpture

Abstract

Research summary:

This research examines the influence of totemism, as a religious and social symbolic system, on contemporary sculpture in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The research problem is summarized in the following question: "What are the manifestations of totemism in contemporary sculpture?" The research aims to define totemism, trace its historical roots, and its reflections in modern sculpture across the continents of Europe, America, and Australia.

The theoretical framework addresses the theories of pioneering anthropologists such as Durkheim, Frazer, and Lévi-Strauss on totemism, in addition to the aesthetic and technical features of traditional totemic art. The researcher adopted a descriptive and analytical approach to study five selected examples from 68 sculptural works, representing geographical and temporal diversity.

The results showed that contemporary sculptors were inspired by essential elements of totem art, including: vertical composition similar to totem poles, the use of local materials with a sacred character, the employment of animal and plant symbolism, formal composition and superposition, reduction and simplification, symmetrical repetition, and colorful decoration.

The research concluded that totemism in contemporary sculpture represents an evolving continuation of ancient symbols with new tools and connotations, making it a dynamic phenomenon capable of being renewed according to contemporary cultural contexts..