The national coat of arms of Barbados is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and independence. It features a blue shield with two sugar cane stalks, a dolphin, and a pelican. The shield is supported by a bearded fig tree and a dolphin, and is topped by a helmet with a golden crest of a hand holding two crossed pieces of sugar cane.
The blue color of the shield represents the sea and sky, while the sugar cane stalks represent the country’s main agricultural crop and its history of slavery. The dolphin and pelican are both native to Barbados and represent the country’s connection to the sea and its abundant wildlife.
The bearded fig tree is a symbol of the island’s national pride and resilience, as it is able to survive in harsh conditions and is a common sight throughout the country. The dolphin, which supports the shield, represents the country’s fishing industry and its connection to the sea.
The national coat of arms of Barbados was first adopted in 1966, when the country gained independence from Britain. It was designed by Grantley W. Prescod, a local artist and historian, and was chosen from a competition that received over 1,000 entries.
The coat of arms has undergone several changes over the years, with the most recent version being adopted in 2020. The changes were made to modernize the design and make it more reflective of the country’s current identity.
The new design features a more stylized shield, with the sugar cane stalks and dolphin being more abstract in appearance. The pelican has been replaced with a trident, which is a symbol of the country’s national identity and is featured on the national flag.
The bearded fig tree and dolphin remain as supporters of the shield, but are now depicted in a more modern and dynamic style. The helmet and crest have also been updated, with the hand holding the sugar cane now being more prominent and the overall design being more streamlined.
Overall, the national coat of arms of Barbados is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, culture, and identity. It represents the country’s connection to the sea, its agricultural heritage, and its national pride and resilience. The recent updates to the design have made it more reflective of the country’s current identity and will ensure that it remains a powerful symbol for generations to come.