Mr Pigeons writes “Totems and Animal spirits are a core element in Zimbabwean Shona culture. It represents our ancestry and serves as a sense of identity. Each person is assigned an animal spirit at birth, it depends on the family we're born into. Shumba (Lion), Nzou (Elephant), Hungwe (Fish Eagle), Tsoko (Monkey) are a few examples, there are up to 60 different spirits. In Shona culture, totems are traditionally accompanied by what is called ‘Praise Poetry’. Praise Poetry empowers the person carrying the totem and is one of the ways families preserve their narrative and orally pass down history.” Mr Pigeons’ totem is Unendoro, symbolizing the Elephant. This totem is known for their deep wisdom and compassion.

The film is part of director Charlotte de Bekker’s circular video project: A series of films de Bekker is creating with Berlin-based collaborators to further explore the circular format.