Coat of arms of Chile

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The Coat of Arms of Chile dates from 1834 and was designed by the English artist Charles Wood Taylor. It is made up by a figurative background divided in two equal parts: the top one is blue and the bottom, red. A five pointed white star is in the centre of the shield. This background is supported in one side by a condor, the bird most commonly associated with the Andes, and in the other, by a huemul, the most singular and rare mammal of the Chilean territory. Both animals have in their heads the navy's golden crown, symbol of the heroic deeds of the Chilean Navy in the Pacific Ocean.

The shield is crowned by a three feathered crest; each feather bearing one colour: blue, white and red. This crest was a symbol of distinction that former Presidents of the Republic used to wear on their hats.

Underneath the shield and on the ellaborated pedestal, there is a white band with the motto: "Por la Razón o la Fuerza" ("By Right or Might").

This emblem is the last of a series of variations due to diverse circumstances and understandings.

[edit] Shield of transition

First Chilean arms

Second Chilean arms

Two years later, on 23 September 1819, a new project for a shield was approved in the Senate. It was a dark blue field, with a column standing on a white marble pedestal in the middle. On top of this column, the new American world with the word "Freedom" over it. Above this sign, a five pointed star, representing the Province of Santiago. Two similar stars, representing Concepción and Coquimbo, were at each side of the column.

This combination of elements was surrounded by two small branches of laurel qwith their buds tied with a tricolour ribbon. Around this ribbon, the whole aromoury of the country was depicted in strict order: cavalry, infantry, dragons, artillery and bombardiers.

To complete the shield, an indigenous man held it with his hands over his head, while sitting on an American caiman with one foot resting on the Horn of Plenty. The caiman had, in its jaws, the Lion of Castille, whose crown laid fallen on one side and was holding the ripped Spanish flag with its front paws.