Coat of arms of the Bahamas

The coat of arms of the Bahamas contains a shield with the national symbols as its focal point.

Coat of arms of the Bahamas
ArmigerCharles III in Right of the Bahamas
Adopted7 December 1971
CrestUpon a representation of Our Royal Helmet mantled Azure doubled Argent on a Wreath Or and Azure. A Conch Shell proper in front of a Panache of Palm Fronds proper.[1]
TorseOrange and Azure
BlazonUpon a representation of the Santa Maria on a base barry wavy of four Azure and Argent on a Chief Azure demi-sun Or.
SupportersOn the dexter side a Marlin proper and on the sinister side a Flamingo proper
CompartmentPer pale Waves of the Sea and Swampland proper.
MottoForward, Upward, Onward Together
Emblem of the Bahamas, 1964. Motto: Expulsis Piratis – Restituta Commercia (Pirates Expelled – Commerce Restored)

Official description

The blazon of the coat of arms is described in Bahamas law:[2]

Arms: Upon a representation of the Santa Maria on a base barry wavy of four Azure and Argent on a Chief Azure demisun Or.

Crest: Upon a representation of Our Royal Helmet mantled Azure doubled Argent on a Wreath Or and Azure. A Conch Shell proper in front of a Panache of Palm Fronds proper.

Supporters: On the dexter side a Marlin proper and on the sinister side a Flamingo proper; and upon a Compartment per pale Waves of the Sea and Swampland proper.

Motto: “Forward, Upward, Onward Together”.

Explanation

The escutcheon (shield) is supported by a marlin and flamingo. The crest on top of the helm (helmet) is a conch shell, which represents the varied marine life of the island chain. Below the helm is the escutcheon itself, whose main charge is a ship, reputed to represent the Santa María of Christopher Columbus. It is sailing beneath a sun in the chief. The animals supporting the shield are the national animals, and the national motto is found at the bottom. The flamingo is located upon land, and the marlin upon sea, indicating the geography of the islands.

The vibrant tinctures of the coat of arms are also intended to point to a bright future for the islands. They are also reputed to have been maintained for their attractiveness to tourists.

The coat of arms was approved by Queen Elizabeth II on 7 December 1971. It was designed by Bahamian artist and clergyman, Dr. Hervis L. Bain, Jr., who is also a member of the Order of the British Empire.

History
Crown Colony of the Bahamas
Emblem Period of use Notes
1869–1904; 1953-1964 Colonial badge of the Bahamas. Depicting a British ship chasing two pirate ships out at the high seas and the motto "Expulsis piratis restituta commercia" (Pirates expelled, commerce restored)
1904–1953 The coat of arms remained the same but the crown was changed to a Tudor Crown.
1964–1973 On 1964, the coat of arms was changed to a higher detailed version with the "Bahamas" text color changing to blue and a Tudor rose between the motto.

Island arms

In addition to the National Coat of Arms, there are a total of eighteen regional island shields (including two unofficial devices). These were granted upon Independence in 1973, to be displayed at the Independence day celebration to reflect each island's individual cultural heritage.

Island arms of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
Acklins Abaco Andros Berry Islands
Bimini Cat Island Crooked Island Eleuthera
Grand Bahama Inagua Long Island Mayaguana
New Providence Ragged Island Rum Cay San Salvador

References
  1. "Flags and Coat of Arms (Regulation)" (PDF). Bahamas Legislation ch. 32. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  2. FLAGS AND COAT OF ARMS (REGULATION)
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