Coat of arms of the Solomon Islands
Less than fifty years later, the coat of arms of the Solomon Islands appeared. It has become a symbol of independence for this small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean. Amazing exotic lands were once discovered by a Spanish navigator.
Then part of the Solomon Islands fell under the protectorate of Great Britain, and the second part was controlled by Australia and New Zealand (and under the supervision of the United Nations). Until the indigenous people gained independence in 1978 to begin an independent journey into the future.
Islands coat of arms and ocean symbols
The composition resembles the traditional coats of arms and emblems of the states of Europe and America. Among the main elements of the main official symbol of the Solomon Islands are:
- a shield of a completely traditional form;
- supporters in the form of exotic animals, crocodile and shark;
- a knight's helmet with a windbreak, crowning the composition;
- a stylized frigate at the base of the coat of arms;
- country motto ribbon.
Elements and symbols
Despite the fact that the shield, which occupies the central place, is made in European traditions, it is full of a variety of elements and symbols that remind of the location of the state, its history and natural resources..
The upper part of the shield is azure, the lower one is gold with a green St. Andrew's cross. Three birds are depicted on a blue background: a handsome eagle and two flying frigates on either side of it. These are the brightest representatives of the feathered kingdom of the Solomon Islands, symbolizing freedom and courage..
At the bottom of the shield are silvery criss-crossing spears, arrows and a traditional shield, the main weapons that served the locals for both food and protection from enemies. In addition, there are images of two turtles painted in chocolate color..
The theme of the most popular animals of Melanesia continues in the images of supporters, on the left the shield is supported by a greenish-brown crocodile, he is accompanied on the right by a shark standing on the tail.
In addition to the fact that the animals symbolize the animal kingdom of the Solomon Islands, they are reminiscent of the four districts into which the territory was divided during British rule. The eagle is a symbol of Malaita District, frigates - East, turtles - West, weapons - Central District. They were present on the colonial coat of arms, preserved on the main symbol of the independent state.
