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Civic Heraldry of Namibia

OWAMBO

Arms: Azure, standing on seven spear heads Or garnished Vert, conjoined in base by a circlet, seven ivory bows forming a sphere, proper.
Crest: out of the circlet Or seven palm-leaves proper spreading upwards.
Wreath: A woven head-ring Argent and Gules.
Supporters: Two black faced Impala proper.
Motto: TUNGA NOMBILI (Build in Peace)

These Arms were registered under the South African Heraldry Act (1962) in terms of Certificate Number 808 dated 30 April 1976.

Origin/meaning :
Owambo was the first of the 'homelands' in South West Africa founded in 1969. Initially the arms were approved in 1970, but formal approval of the State Herald lasted until 1975. There are seven Owambo tribes, hence the reference to the number seven in the arms. The spears are said to represent the enforcement of authority and the ivory arcs authority and power as epitomised by the elephant. Palm leaves in turn are said to be symbols of justice and peace.

The homelands, and thus the arms, were abolished in 1990 at the independence of Namibia.

Literature : Brownell part V; Brownell, FG: ?: Coats of Arms and Flags in Namibia.


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