The national coat of arms of Zimbabwe is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and identity. It features several elements that represent the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations. The coat of arms is composed of a shield, two crossed spears, a depiction of a bird, and a banner with the national motto.
The shield is divided into two parts, with the upper part featuring a representation of the ancient Kingdom of Great Zimbabwe. This is a stone fortress that was built in the 11th century and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The fortress is depicted in gold on a black background, with a depiction of a waving Zimbabwean flag above it. The lower part of the shield features a depiction of a wavy blue and white line, which represents the country’s major rivers and water resources.
The two crossed spears on the coat of arms represent the country’s defense and readiness to fight for its sovereignty. They are also a symbol of the country’s unity and strength. The spears are depicted in gold, with black handles and white spearheads.
The bird on the coat of arms is a depiction of the Great Zimbabwe Bird, which is a national symbol of Zimbabwe. The bird is a representation of the ancient civilization that built the Great Zimbabwe fortress. It is depicted in red, with black and white markings, and is shown looking to the left.
The banner at the bottom of the coat of arms features the national motto, “Unity, Freedom, Work.” This motto represents the country’s aspirations for unity among its people, freedom from oppression, and the need to work hard to achieve its goals.
The colors used in the coat of arms are significant as well. The black background of the upper part of the shield represents the African people, while the gold represents the country’s mineral wealth. The wavy blue and white line on the lower part of the shield represents the country’s water resources. The red color of the bird represents the blood shed during the country’s struggle for independence, while the white and black markings represent the country’s racial diversity.
The national coat of arms of Zimbabwe has a rich history that dates back to the country’s independence in 1980. The coat of arms was designed by a group of artists and designers who were tasked with creating a symbol that would represent the country’s identity and aspirations. The design was approved by the country’s first president, Robert Mugabe, and has remained unchanged since then.
The coat of arms has been used on various official documents, including passports, currency, and government buildings. It is also used on the country’s national flag, which features the same colors and elements as the coat of arms.
In conclusion, the national coat of arms of Zimbabwe is a powerful symbol of the country’s identity and aspirations. It features several elements that represent the nation’s history, culture, and aspirations, including the Great Zimbabwe fortress, the Great Zimbabwe Bird, and the national motto. The colors used in the coat of arms are also significant, representing the country’s people, mineral wealth, water resources, racial diversity, and struggle for independence. The coat of arms is a testament to the country’s rich history and its determination to achieve unity, freedom, and prosperity.