This vignette makes the point that the meaning of the totem has significance beyond traditional lifestyles.  It also relates to performance.  These Palm cockatoos are on the stage appearing behind a veil of brightly colours Bloodwood totems.  They are clearly on show but not being blinded by the footlights.  Sharing culture is a performance.  You have to put a lot of thought into how the performance unfolds.  How the actors engage with the audience, what level of familiarity they will cultivate, gauging how to balance audience expectations with regard to the comfort of the storyteller and actors - audiences will always want more.

Courtesy of the artist.