Armiger Republic of Zambia | Adopted 24 October 1964 | |
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Crest An eagle Or displayed above a crossed hoe and pickaxe proper Escutcheon Sable, six pallets wavy argent Supporters A Zambian man in Western garb to the left and a Zambian woman in traditional garb to the right Compartment Green earth and an ear of maize proper | ||
The coat of arms of Zambia was adopted on 24 October 1964 when the Republic of Zambia reached its independence. This coat of arms is adapted from the arms of the Colony of Northern Rhodesia which dates to 1927. The eagle of liberty African fish eagle represents the conquest of freedom and nation's hope for the future. The pick and hoe represent the country's economic backbone: agriculture and mining, as well as the characteristics that have influenced Zambia's evolution and nature. The shield is a representation of Victoria Falls with white water cascading over black rock. The Victoria Falls represents the Zambezi river, from which Zambia takes its name. The coat of arms also has emblems of Zambia's natural resources: minerals and mining, agriculture and wildlife. The shield is supported by two figures which represent the common man and woman of the nation. The country's motto is "One Zambia, One Nation which emphasises the need for unity in a country of over 60 ethnic groups.
The wavy black and white vertical lines also were present in the shield of the coat of arms of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1954-1963.