African states in the twentieth century had to fight for a long time for freedom and independence in choosing the path of development. Many indigenous peoples maintain ancient traditions and ways of life. And this is despite the fact that their state symbols look quite modern, such as, for example, the coat of arms of Kenya.
The main features of the coat of arms
The main Kenyan state symbol is based on traditional heraldic images and signs. This takes into account the peculiarities of the country's geographical position, its rich flora and fauna, history and prospects.
The main elements of the coat of arms of Kenya:
- traditional Masai shield and crossed spears;
- the cock with an ax depicted on the shield;
- supporters in the form of golden lions;
- the base of the coat of arms is in the form of a mountain peak with flowers and fruits;
- tape with a motto.
The color palette of the main symbol of Kenyan statehood is quite rich and bright. This is facilitated by national colors - green, red (scarlet), black, in which the shield is painted. The colors of precious metals are also present - golden lions and a silver rooster, depicted with an ax of the same shade.
Kenya coat of arms
The national colors of the flag and coat of arms are filled with deep symbolism: black is associated with the skin color of the indigenous people of Kenya, red is the blood shed in the struggle for freedom, green is a symbol of fertility and the wealth of the flora.
The fact that plant growing is an important branch of the country's agriculture is symbolized by the leaves of the tea bush, corn cobs, pineapples, coffee beans, sisal and pyrethrum. The fruits are located at the bottom of the coat of arms on the top of Mount Kenya.
Most of these plants are also known in other countries. The exception is feverfew, one of the names of the Caucasian or Dalmatian chamomile and powder from it, which is used in the fight against garden insect pests. Kenya is one of the largest suppliers of this amazing plant to the world market, along with Japan, Tanzania and Ecuador. Sisal is a fiber obtained from agave, which grows throughout the country.
Another interesting element of the coat of arms is a silver rooster holding an ax in its paw. This bird belongs to the most ancient symbols, it is associated with concepts such as dawn or awakening, attentiveness and vigilance. It is these qualities that the Kenyan rooster symbolizes, and since he is armed with an ax, according to the rules of heraldry, he is "ready for battle."
