Adopted 1960 | Compartment a grassy field proper | |
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Armiger Republic of Sierra Leone Escutcheon Vert a lion passant Or armed and langued Gules; A chief dancetée of three Argent with three torches Sable with flames Gules; In base Argent, two wavy bars Azure Supporters Two lions rampant Or armed and langued Gules, each supporting a coconut tree Motto UNITY, FREEDOM, JUSTICE | ||
The coat of arms of Sierra Leone (along with the flag), were developed by the College of Arms and granted in 1960.
Contents
Design
The shield on the arms depicts a lion beneath a zigzag border, representing the Lion Mountains, after which the country was named. It also shows three torches which are meant to symbolize peace and dignity. At the base are wavy bars depicting the sea.
The supporters of the shield are lions, similar to those on the colonial badge. The three main colours from the shield – green, white and blue – were used to form the flag.
The green represents agricultural and natural resources, the blue represents the Harbour of Freetown and the white represents unity and justice. At the bottom of the shield, the national motto can be seen.
Blazon
The Coat of Arms of Sierra Leone are described as:
(a) for arms-
- Vert a lion passant Or armed and langued Gules.
- A chief dancetée of three Argent with three torches Sable with flames Gules.
- In base Argent, two wavy bars Azure.
(b) for the supporters-
- Two lions rampant Or armed and langued Gules, each supporting a coconut tree,
- They stand on a grassy field proper,
(c) with the motto "Unity, Freedom, Justice”.