Carry one writing symbols (6)
I believe the answer is:
totems
'symbols' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'carry one writing' is the wordplay.
'carry' becomes 'tote' (toting is a kind of carrying).
'one writing' becomes 'ms' (abbreviation for manuscript).
'tote'+'ms'='TOTEMS'
(Other definitions for totems that I've seen before include "Revered objects" , "Emblems once adopted by native Americans, seen on pole" , "Motets (anag.)" , "Signs" , "family emblems" .)