The current coat of arms of Mauritius was officially granted on August 25, 1906, by a royal warrant from King Edward VII to the British Crown Colony of Mauritius. It was designed to represent key aspects of the island’s identity, including its maritime position, agricultural economy, and biodiversity.
Evolution and Continuity
The arms remained unchanged after Mauritius attained independence from the United Kingdom on March 12, 1968, and were later reaffirmed when the country became a republic on March 12, 1992.
Design and Symbolism
According to the Mauritius Laws 1990, Vol. 1, the coat of arms features several key elements, each with its own significance:
- Lymphad: Depicts a lymphad (a single-masted medieval galley) in gold (or) set against a blue (azure) background.
- Palm Trees: Features three palm trees in green (vert) positioned upright on a gold (or) field.
- Red Key: Displays a red key (gules) with its wards pointing downward on a gold (or) background.
- Silver Pile and Mullet: Shows a silver pile (argent) issuing upward from the base of a blue (azure) field, topped with a silver mullet (a five-pointed star).
- Dodo: A dodo (Raphus cucullatus) depicted per bend sinister embattled in gules (red) and argent (silver).
- Sambar Deer: A sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), shown per bend embattled in argent and gules, represents the extant wildlife of Mauritius.
- Supporters: Both supporters each hold a sugar cane stalk proper, reflecting the historical and economic significance of sugar cultivation in Mauritius.
These symbols collectively represent the maritime importance, agricultural wealth, and unique biodiversity of Mauritius.
Historical Context
During British rule, the emblem was also displayed on colonial flags, such as the British Blue Ensign, between 1906 and 1968. The 1923 update saw removal of a white roundel from the ensign.
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Here is a table summarizing the key elements of the coat of arms and their meanings:
| Element | Description | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Lymphad | Gold galley on a blue background | Maritime position |
| Palm Trees | Three green palm trees on a gold field | Agricultural economy |
| Red Key | Red key with wards pointing downward on a gold background | Strategic importance |
| Silver Pile and Mullet | Silver pile issuing upward from a blue field, topped with a silver star | Guidance and progress |
| Dodo | Dodo bird in red and silver | Unique biodiversity |
| Sambar Deer | Sambar deer in silver and red | Extant wildlife |
| Sugar Cane Stalks | Held by supporters | Historical and economic significance of sugar cultivation |
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