Temple too elaborate as a clan symbol (5,4)
I believe the answer is:
totem pole
'a clan symbol' is the definition.
'totem pole' can be an answer for 'symbol' (I have seen 'Tribal symbol ' mean 'totem pole' so perhaps 'symbol' could also mean 'totem pole'). I am not sure about the 'a clan' bit.
'temple too elaborate' is the wordplay.
'elaborate' indicates anagramming the letters (an elaborate version of the letters).
'temple'+'too'='templetoo'
'templetoo' is an anagram of 'TOTEM-POLE'.
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for totem pole that I've seen before include "cult object" , "Symbolic construction" , "Native American tribal symbol" , "Focus of dance" , "(Am. Ind.) ritual pillar" .)