totem
n. countablen. a natural object or animal that a group of people sees as a special symbol for their family or tribe. It often represents a shared history or a spiritual connection.
n. an object, animal, or plant serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry. In a broader sociological sense, it refers to any symbol that serves as a focus for group identity.
The tribe carved a tall wooden totem to honor their ancestors.
In many indigenous cultures, the eagle serves as a powerful totem representing courage and wisdom.
The researcher argued that modern corporate logos often function as a secular totem, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose to employees across different continents.
From Ojibwe (o)doodem(an).
Often used metaphorically to describe any object that represents a group's values or identity.