Sign name to take claims up (5)
I believe the answer is:
totem
'sign' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'name to take claims up' is the wordplay.
'claims' indicates a hidden word (the answer is held or claimed within the clue).
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'metot' is hidden in the letters of 'name to take'.
'metot' backwards is 'TOTEM'.
(Other definitions for totem that I've seen before include "Emblem of kinship among native Americans" , "token" , "Emblem of a clan" , "Symbol given (undue) respect" , "family emblem" .)