Coat of arms of Rwizikuru
| Emblem of Rwizikuru | |
|---|---|
| File:CoatOfArmsOfRwizikuru.png | |
| Adopted | 1953 |
| Crest | None |
| Torse | None |
| Blazon | A red star with a Bahian elephant in front of it |
| Supporters | Wreath of maize with a shell in the center |
| Compartment | None |
| Motto | None |
| Orders | None |
The emblem of Rwizikuru is the coat of arms of Rwizikuru, having been adopted in 1953 to replace the old seal, which was used from 1897 to 1953 with only minor alterations in 1946 to remove the naval crown that was associated with Estmerish rule over Rwizikuru.
History
The first colonial seal was designed by Governor Dugald Harpham in 1897, when the first colonial flag was adopted. It depicted the head of a Bahian elephant, facing dexter, on a green shield. Above that was the naval crown, which indicated Riziland's status as a colony of Estmere.
Despite the end of the Kingdom of Estmere in 1937, the seal was not altered, despite proposals to remove the naval crown on the basis of representing monarchism.
However, when Rwizikuru obtained independence from Estmere in 1946, the naval crown was removed, in a move that President Samhuri Ngonidzashe said "represents our liberation from the bondage of Estmerish rule." This left the seal just depicting the elephant's head on a green shield.
In 1953, Samhuri Ngonidzashe commissioned Peter Madhuku to design a new emblem, calling the continued use of the emblem "inconsistent with the ideals of a Bahian socialist society." Thus, Madhuku took inspiration from other socialist states in designing a new emblem, while presenting Bahian characteristics to make the emblem promote Bahian socialism. After weeks of design, he submitted the design to Samhuri Ngonidzashe, who approved of it.
Thus, after a vote to amend the constitution to replace the seal with the emblem that Peter Madhuku designed, the emblem was formally adopted on 2 July, 1953.
Despite Rwizikuru becoming an absolute monarchy under Samhuri's successor (and son), Izibongo Ngonidzashe in 1964, the emblem has remained unchanged.
Gallery
- Rizicolarms.png
Colonial seal (1897-1946)
National seal (1946-1953)
- CoatOfArmsOfRwizikuru.png
Coat of arms (1953-present)
