Symbolic variety of motet (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'symbolic variety' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'of motet' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates anagramming the letters (the answer comes from or 'of' the letters).
'motet' is an anagram of 'TOTEM'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" , "Idol" , "Venerated object" , "symbolic animal" , "Emblem of a clan" .)