Coat of Arms

Technical Description

1. Shield (Escutcheon)
   • The central element is a white shield with a red cross.
   • Five golden pineapples are arranged on the cross, representing the island’s agricultural wealth, specifically one of its most historically significant crops.
2. Supporters
   • Two TainoThe Taino were the indigenous people of Jamaica and much of the Caribbean, known for their advanced agricultural techniq... More figures stand on either side of the shield.
   • The female figure on the left carries a woven basket of pineapples, signifying agriculture and sustenance.
   • The male figure on the right holds a bow and arrow, representing the indigenous heritageHeritage, in the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the rest of the world, refers to the tangible and intangible asset... More and defense of the landIn real estate, land is a foundational element that significantly impacts the value and potential of a property. It enco... More.
   • The Tainos were the original inhabitants of JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i... More before EuropeanEuropeans, in the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the global market, refer to individuals from the continent of Eur... More colonization.
3. Crest
   • Above the shield is a gold and blue torse (twisted ribbon of fabric), a traditional heraldic feature.
   • Resting on the torse is a royal helmet, indicative of Jamaica’s colonial past under the British monarchy.
   • Atop the helmet sits a Crocodile, which represents the native JamaicanThe term "Jamaican" encompasses the citizens of Jamaica and their descendants in the Jamaican diaspora, representing a d... More crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), a unique symbol of the island’s wildlife.
4. Motto
   • A pink scroll below the shield bears the words “OUT OF MANY, ONE PEOPLE” in black capitalCapital refers to the financial resources, whether in the form of equity, debt, or other assets, that individuals or bus... More letters.
   • This motto reflects Jamaica’s diverse ethnic heritage, acknowledging the blending of AfricanAfricans, in the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the broader world, represent individuals of African descent or tho... More, European, Asian, and indigenous influences that make up the nation’s identity.

History of the Coat of Arms

• The original Coat of Arms of Jamaica was granted in 1661 under British rule, making it one of the oldest in the CaribbeanThe Caribbean is a vast region made up of over 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Some of the most well-known islands... More.
• It was designed by William Sancroft, then Archbishop of Canterbury.
• The designDesign is the art and science of creating plans and specifications for the construction of objects, structures, and syst... More has undergone several modifications over time:
  • 1875: A revised version was issued by Queen Victoria.
  • 1957: Further adjustments were made in preparation for Jamaica’s movement towards independence.
  • 1962: Upon gaining independence from Britain, Jamaica retained the Coat of Arms but introduced modifications, particularly to the motto, which was changed from “Indus Uterque Serviet Uni” (Latin for “Both Indies willIn Jamaica, a will is a legal document created by an individual to specify how their assets, including their belongings ... More serve one”) to “Out of Many, One People” to reflect national unity.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

• The Coat of Arms represents Jamaica’s history, indigenous heritage, colonial past, and unity as a peopleThe people of Jamaica embody a spirit that is at once richly diverse and unbreakably unified, as captured by the nationa... More.
• The Taino figures honor the island’s first inhabitants.
• The pineapples symbolize the island’s rich agriculture.
• The crocodile is a reminder of Jamaica’s unique biodiversityBiodiversity refers to the rich tapestry of life forms that inhabit our planet, encompassing the variety of species, eco... More.
• The motto is a powerful declaration of Jamaica’s multicultural identity.