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Civic Heraldry of Zimbabwe

THE NATIONAL ARMS OF ZIMBABWE

The green shield represents the fertility of the soil while the blue and white wavy lines symbolise the water which brings prosperity. The representation of Great Zimbabwe stands for the historical heritage of the nation. The rifle and hoe represent the transition from war to peace. The wreath is formed of twisted strips of gold and green silk, and represents the mining and agricultural enterprises. This supports the crest in which the star is an ancient symbol of hope for the future, tinctured red as a reminder of the sufferingof the people of Zimbabwe.
The star bears the Great Zimbabwe bird, the national emblem.
The kudu in their natural colours display a harmonious blend of black, white and brown which may be taken to symbolise the unity of purpose of the various ethnic groups which comprise the people of the country.
The earthen mound bears the plants which give food and clothing to the people and the motto is a reminder of the need to maintain a desire for national unity and the will to work, in order to preserve the freedom which we enjoy.

Before its independence Zimbabwe was a British colony, which used the following arms :

The Rhodesian arms were granted by Royal Warrant on 11 August 1924, when the country was still Southern Rhodesia. The lion and thistles were taken from Rhodes's personal arms. The pick represents mining and agriculture. The motto "Sit Nomine Digna" means "May she be worthy of the name".

In 1954 Rhodesia was joined with Nyasaland (now Malawi) to form the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

The arms of the Federation were designed by M.J. Morris and include elements from the arms of all three territories. Granted by Royal Warrant on 22 July 1954.

Literature :
History of Rhodesian Arms (with permission).and here.

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