Emblem of Guinea-Bissau

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Emblem of Guinea-Bissau
ArmigerRepublic of Guinea-Bissau
Adopted1973
CrestNone
TorseNone
ShieldGules, in chief a Mullet or five points Sable
SupportersTwo wreathes of laurel proper
CompartmentA sea shell Or
MottoUnidade, Luta, Progresso
(Portuguese: "Unity, Struggle, Progress")
Order(s)None

The national emblem of Guinea-Bissau was adopted shortly after independence from Portugal in 1973.

Design[edit]

Featured prominently is a black star, that is part of traditional Pan-African symbolism, and is often referred to as the Black star of Africa. A seashell at the bottom unites two symmetrical olive branches. The sea shell is symbolism for the location of the country on the West coast of Africa.

The red banner contains the national motto of Guinea-Bissau: that translates to English as "Unity, Struggle, Progress".

Historical coat of arms[edit]

In 1935, the Portuguese colonies were officially assigned coats of arms that followed a standard design pattern.[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Portaria 8098: Aprova as ordenações das armas das colónias que, nos termos da Constituïção e do Acto Colonial, formam o Império Colonial Português", Diário do Govêrno n.º 104/1935, Série I de 1935-05-08, 597-599 (in Portuguese)
  2. ^ published in the Diário do Govêrno[1]