The coat of arms of the Republic of Colombia (Spanish: Escudo de la República de Colombia) is the official heraldic emblem of the nation and is employed on state documents, official seals, passports, and other government representations.
Design and symbolism
The emblem consists of a shield surrounded by ornamental elements, each bearing specific symbolism:
| Element | Description | Symbolic meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Shield | Divided per fess (horizontally). The upper compartment displays a pomegranate (granada) on a blue field; the lower compartment contains a cornucopia overflowing with gold coins and a Phrygian cap (cápsula frigia) set upon a red field. | The pomegranate alludes to the historical name Nueva Granada, referencing the colonial territory that preceded the modern state. The cornucopia represents the country’s wealth, natural resources and agricultural bounty, while the Phrygian cap is a classic emblem of liberty. |
| Supporters | Two corn stalks (maize) bound together by a ribbon in the national colors (yellow, blue, and red). | The corn stalks denote Colombia’s agricultural foundation and the unity of the nation’s regions. |
| Crest | An Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) with wings displayed, positioned above the shield. | The condor is a traditional symbol of freedom and the Andean heritage of Colombia. |
| Motto | A scroll beneath the shield bears the inscription “Libertad y Orden” (Spanish for “Liberty and Order”). | The motto reflects the republican ideals upon which the nation was founded. |
Historical development
- Early versions (1820s‑1830s): The first national emblems appeared during the period of Gran Colombia (1819‑1831). These early designs featured a shield with a pomegranate and a Phrygian cap, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the time.
- 1848 modification: A more elaborate shield incorporating the cornucopia and Andean condor was introduced under the presidency of José Hilario López.
- 1934 standardization: The current design was formally codified by the Decree of 26 August 1934, which specified the exact arrangement of the shield, supporters, crest, and motto. Minor graphic adjustments have been made since then, but the essential elements have remained unchanged.
Legal status and usage
The coat of arms is protected under Colombian law. Its reproduction is regulated by Decree 2482 of 1993, which authorizes its use by national institutions, foreign diplomatic missions, and on official publications. Unauthorized commercial exploitation is prohibited, and the emblem may appear only in the forms prescribed by the decree (full‑color, monochrome, or simplified versions).
Heraldic blazon (official description)
Escudo: Partido en cuartelado; primero, de campo azul, una granada natural; segundo, de campo rojo, un gorro frigio sobre una cornucopia de la que brotan monedas de oro y frutos; los bordes están bordados con dos mazorcas de maíz entrelazadas por una cinta tricolor; sobre el escudo, un cóndor andino con las alas extendidas; bajo el escudo, una cinta con la leyenda “Libertad y Orden”.
References
- Constitución Política de Colombia (1991). Artículo 117.
- Decreto 2482 de 1993, por el cual se regula el uso del Escudo Nacional.
- Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, “Símbolos Patrios de Colombia”, 2021.
