Crossword Genius

Millions put on bear image (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

totem

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

'image' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'millions put on bear' is the wordplay.
'millions' becomes 'm' (abbreviation).
'put on' says to put letters next to each other.
'bear' becomes 'tote' (I've seen this before).
'm' put after 'tote' is 'TOTEM'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Symbol given (undue) respect" , "Emblem of a clan" , "symbol representing clan" , "Animal as emblem" , "Venerated emblem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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