Bear marks object of symbolic significance (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'object of symbolic significance' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
'bear marks' is the wordplay.
'bear' becomes 'tote' (I've seen this in other clues).
'marks' becomes 'M' (former German currency).
'tote'+'m'='TOTEM'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "symbol of spiritual significance" , "Tribal symbol (maybe on pole)" , "Sign" , "(Tribal) emblem" , "Emblem, maybe on pole" .)