Coat of arms of Lesotho

The coat of arms of Lesotho was adopted on 4 October 1968 following independence. Pictured is a crocodile on a Basotho shield. This is the symbol of the dynasty of Lesotho's largest ethnicity, the Sotho. Behind the shield there are two crossed weapons, an assegai (lance) and a knobkierie (club). To the left and right of the shield are supporters of the shield, two Basutho horses. In the foreground there is a ribbon with the national motto of Lesotho: Khotso, Pula, Nala (Sotho, to English: Peace, Rain, Prosperity). The crocodile on the shield has been retained from the arms of Basutoland, the predecessor to Lesotho.