Crossword Genius

Carry mark as symbol of clan membership (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'symbol of clan membership' is the definition.
'totem' can be an answer for 'symbol' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'of clan membership' bit.

'carry mark' is the wordplay.
'carry' becomes 'tote' (toting is a kind of carrying).
'mark' becomes 'm'.
'tote'+'m'='TOTEM'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Primitive object of worship" , "Natural thing adopted as an emblem" , "Spiritually significant emblem" , "Venerated object" , "Emblem of a clan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app