Coat of arms of Zimbabwe

Coat of arms of Zimbabwe
Details
Adopted	1981
Crest	A Zimbabwe Bird Or on a mullet Gules
Torse	Or and Vert
Escutcheon	Vert, a representation of Great Zimbabwe Argent; A chief argent seven pallets wavy Azure with an agricultural hoe and an automatic rifle crossed behind the shield
Supporters	Two Kudus proper
Compartment	An earthly mound composed of stalks of wheat, a pile of cotton, and a head of maize
Motto	Unity Freedom Work

The coat of arms of Zimbabwe was adopted on September 21, 1981, one year and five months after the national flag was adopted.

Description

The coat of arms depicts two kudus on the left and right, each standing on top of an earthly mound composed of stalks of wheat, a pile of cotton, and a head of maize. At their feet there is also a banner emblazoned with the Zimbabwean national motto (Unity, Freedom, Work). The shield itself is green, featuring 14 waves of alternating white and blue waved lines at top (chief argent), and also at the center of the shield a representation of the ancient Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe is shown. Placed behind the shield are an agricultural hoe (to the left) and an automatic rifle (to the right.

Meanings

The meanings of the Zimbabwean coat of arms are as follows:

• Kudus: the unity of Zimbabwe's various ethnic groups
• Earthly Mound with plants: the need to always provide for the Zimbabweans
• Motto Banner: the need to maintain national unity and the preservation of freedom
• Green Shield: the fertility of the country's soil and water
• Great Zimbabwe: the historical heritage of the nation
• Hoe and Rifle: Celebrates the struggle for peace and democracy, as well as the proud work-ethic of the Zimbabwean people. They also symbolise the transition from war to peace.
• Strips of Silk of gold and green: the national financial enterprise and the protection of the economy
• Red Star: hope for the future of Zimbabwe. Conveys the revolutionary nature of the 1980 achievement majority rule, and the struggle towards a fair, equal society.
• Great Zimbabwe Bird: national identity
• Blue and White Wavy Lines: Victoria Falls, water which brings prosperity.

See also

• Coat of arms of Rhodesia