Coat of arms of Botswana: photo, meaning, description
Coat of arms of Botswana
Mid-twentieth century for many countries «black continent» was marked by an exit on an independent road. State symbols that appear simultaneously with gaining independence become a reflection of real events and hopes and aspirations of the indigenous people. For example, the coat of arms of Botswana, approved on January 25, 1966, demonstrates the country's wealth through strategically important symbols..
Emblem symbolism
The main official emblem of Botswana is focused on the canons of European heraldry, the image contains:
- a shield with iconic images and symbols;
- zebra supporters;
- a branch of sorghum and ivory;
- motto «Pula».
The central place is given to the shield - such an element is present on the coats of arms of various countries of the world, but there is also its own specificity: its form differs from heraldic samples. The shield depicted on the emblem of Botswana is part of the protective armor of African warriors.
Three important elements are present in the shield field: in the upper part - cogwheels (gears), in the center - blue wavy lines, in the lower part - the head of a bull. It is clear that the wheels and the head of the bull act as symbols of two important industries for the country - industry and agriculture, and it is cattle breeding.
Sky blue waves are a symbol of water, which is of extreme importance to the people of Botswana. No wonder, in addition to wavy lines, on the coat of arms there is a motto written on a ribbon of the same color, which is translated from the local language as rain.
Flora and fauna
Most of the elements are prominent representatives of the local kingdom of flora and fauna. Of the plants on the coat of arms of Botswana, there is sorghum, which belongs to the family of cereals. For this African state, sorghum is an important grain and forage crop. It is highly productive and can withstand hot and arid climates..
In addition to sorghum, the coat of arms contains animals and associated symbols, including zebras (shield holders) and a bull's head. The ivory held by the zebra to the left of the shield also reminds of the famous African fauna, elephants, and the precious materials obtained from hunting these animals..
The countries of the African continent were one of the main sources of ivory supplies, which led to a sharp decline in the population of elephants and the introduction of a ban on their prey. Currently, Botswana, like other countries, has restored the number of these beautiful animals, as a result of which it was able to export ivory again..