totem

US /ˈtoʊ.t̬əm/
UK /ˈtoʊ.t̬əm/
"totem" picture
1.

a natural object or animal believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and adopted by it as an emblem.

:
The tribe revered the bear as their sacred totem.
Many indigenous cultures have unique totems representing their ancestry.
2.

a thing that is revered, especially as a symbol of something.

:
The old oak tree became a totem of strength and endurance for the community.
For many, the flag serves as a powerful national totem.