Tribal symbols (6)
I believe the answer is:
totems
'tribal symbols' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for totems that I've seen before include "Signs" , "Natural objects adopted as emblems" , "family emblems" , "Motets (anag.)" , "Emblems once adopted by native Americans, seen on pole" .)