Adopted 1962 | Torse Argent and Gules | |
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Armiger Elizabeth II in Right of Jamaica Crest Upon a representation of the Royal Helmet lambrequined Or doubled Argent, Upon a Log fesse wise a Crocodile Proper Escutcheon Argent on a Cross Gules five pineapples slipped Or Supporters On the dexter side a West Indian Native Woman holding in the exterior hand a Basket of Fruits and on the sinister side a West Indian Native Man supporting by the exterior hand a Bow all proper | ||
Considered as a legacy from the British with slight modifications, the Jamaican coat of arms was granted to Jamaica in 1661 under Royal Warrant. The original was designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury.
Contents
Design and symbolism
The motto of the seal has been a matter of discussion for years since inception. The original motto, INDUS UNTERQUE SERVIET VNI is the Latin translation for "The two Indians will serve as one", or rather "Both Indies will serve Together", in reference to the collective servitude of the Taino and Arawak Indians to the colonizers. The motto was replaced in 1962 with the English motto "Out of Many, One People", as tribute to the unity of the different cultural minorities inhabiting the nation. Perhaps as coincidence, the motto has the same meaning as the motto of the United States; E Pluribus Unum.
Changes in the coat of arms
The Jamaican coat of arms has seen quite a number of changes, but only three are officially recorded. These changes occurred in 1906, 1957 and 1962.