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Coat of arms of Colombia

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Coat of arms of Colombia
ArmigerRepublic of Colombia
Adopted1924
CrestAndean condor proper with wings inverted displayed, facing dexter with an olive branch on bill, a ribbon in base
ShieldTierced per fess Azure, Argent and Azure, in centre chief a Pomegranate between in sinister chief a Cornucopia overflowing with coins and in dexter chief a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables proper, in center point a Phrygian cap Gules held on a Lance proper, in base the Isthmus of Panama Vert fesswise between two Ships Sable, sailed Argent.
SupportersFlags of Colombia
MottoLibertad y Orden
"Liberty and Order"

The coat of arms of Colombia contains a shield with numerous symbols. Perched on top of the shield is an Andean condor holding an olive crown and the condor symbolizing freedom. The national motto, Libertad y Orden (Spanish for Liberty and Order), is on a scroll in between the bird and the shield in black font over golden background. The condor is depicted as displayed (with his wings extended) and looking to the right.

Description

The national flag is draped on each side of the shield. The shield is broken into three portions. In the lowermost portion is a depiction of ships, pointing to the maritime history of Colombia, mainly to the Isthmus of Panama, which was part of Colombia until 1903. Nowadays represents the two oceans that border the country (Atlantic and Pacific). The sails mean the Colombian commerce with the rest of the world and the rising economy. In the middle section, over a field of silver (argent), the Phrygian cap is presented; this being a traditional symbol of liberty and freedom. The topmost section contains a pomegranate over a blue (azure) field, as a symbol of the Vice royalty of New Granada (early colonial name of Colombia back in the 18th century), in the middle flanked by two cornucopias or horns of plenty: the one at the right with golden and silver coins and the one at the left with tropical fruits. This portion represents the agricultural and mineral wealth of Colombian soil.

The coat of arms of the Republic was designed by Francisco de Paula Santander, and was adopted via Act 3 of 9 May 1834, with later non-essential modifications according to Ordinance 861 of 1924.

National coat of arms

Historical coats of arms

Other versions

See also

Bibliography

  • Ortega Ricaurte, Enrique (1954). Heráldica Nacional (in Spanish). Banco de la República, Bogotá. OCLC 253691402.
  • García, Júlio Cesar (2000). Himnos y Símbolos de Nuestra Colombia (in Spanish). Camer Editores, Bogotá. ISBN 958-33-1489-7.
  • Castrillón M., Aurelio (1961). Historial de las Banderas y Escudos Nacionales (in Spanish). Revista de las Fuerzas Armadas de Colombia, Bogotá. OCLC 39268995.
  • Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi - Ministerio de Hacienda y Crédito Público (1989). Atlas Básico de Colombia (in Spanish). División de Difusión Geográfica, Bogotá. No exist ISBN.