Initially tribal object tribe exalts mystically (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'initially tribal object tribe exalts mystically' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'initially tribal object tribe exalts mystically' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'tribal object tribe exalts mystically' is 'TOTEM'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Thing of veneration (on a pole?)" , "Animal as clan symbol" , "Sort of pole" , "Clan's emblem" , "Motet (anag.)" .)