Akamnik

/ɑːˈkɑːmnɪk/ noun

Definition

A totem or emblem representing a person's lineage or spiritual kinship group among certain Native American peoples.

Etymology

From Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language) 'akaman' relating to kinship markers. Used among Northeastern Woodlands peoples to identify familial and spiritual relationships.

Kelly Says

Before DNA tests, indigenous peoples used akamnik—visual symbols that encoded your entire family history and spiritual obligations, making genealogy something you could literally see and wear.

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