Coat of arms of Palau
Few have heard about this island state, since it is located in the Philippine Sea, in the Pacific Ocean. At the same time, it does not in any way refer to the Philippines, it is associated with the United States of America. It is more correct to call the coat of arms of Palau the state seal, since at the moment it is impossible to talk about the complete independence of these territories.
The seal of the Republic of Palau began to be used for its intended purpose with the onset of the new year, 1981. Now every year, on January 1, residents of the country celebrate two holidays at once - the Day of the introduction of self-government and the Day of the State Press..
Discreet and stylish
The official seal of the republic, lost in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, looks very laconic. This also applies to the color palette, since only one color is used - black (sometimes you can see the image in blue), and the composition, and the drawing of the elements themselves.
The Palauan State Seal has a round shape, with the main elements depicted in the center of the circle:
- a building painted in accordance with local architectural traditions;
- a flag covering this building;
- stones at the base and contour of the mountain peak.
With the help of simple symbols, the authors of the state press were able to show the geographical position of the country, its natural resources, deep history.
The building depicted in the seal vaguely resembles the traditional men's houses characteristic of the region. Such houses were built of wood, but they did not stand on the ground, but on low, wide piles. They had very high triangular roofs, the pediments of which were decorated with various patterns..
Most often, local inhabitants of the depths of the sea, fish, jellyfish, as well as animals, for example, snakes, were painted as decor. There was also an image of a woman dressed in national dress. The abducted representatives of the fairer sex were brought to such houses, which helped to solve the demographic problem on the islands..
One of these houses has survived in Melekeok, not far from the capital. Now it acts, rather, as a monument and witness to the ancient history of Palau, it is no longer used for its intended purpose..
The main symbols are enclosed in a ring on which there are several two inscriptions in English. The name of the country is written at the bottom «Republic of Palau». Now the country is practically independent of the United States, as it was before. The state is independent in all domestic and international affairs, with the exception of defense, which is still under the jurisdiction of the United States..
