He shield of Peru it is one of the symbols that, together with the national anthem and the national flag, correspond to the set of civic symbols that represent the image and identity of Peru as a sovereign nation before the international scene.
It is exhibited by the various organs of the Peruvian State and a large number of national institutions.
Current shield of Peru
The current version of the national coat of arms is in force since its first approval in 1825, with subsequent ratification (and a slight change in design) more than a century later, in 1950. Since then, the shield has remained in design and significance without any changes.
The coat of arms of Peru has many elements similar to the shields of its Latin American neighbors. This may be because these nations sought to exalt through their symbols the importance of their struggle to achieve independence.
The case of this national symbol is striking, since the Republic of Peru has several official versions of its shield, which are used or exposed in particular cases, and have some details that others do not have.
Description and meaning of the Coat of Peru
The national shield, like the great majority of these symbols at present, complies with the heraldic regulations in its design, and is composed of three main parts: the crest, timbre and tenante.
Blazon
The central element of the shield is considered, according to the heraldry, of Polish form, and presents a vertical and a horizontal division, leaving three quadrants that contain their own elements.
In the upper left corner, on a blue background is located a vicuna, common animal of the Andean high plateau. It is a symbolic representation of the riches of the animal kingdom.
In the upper right part, on a white background or argen, there is a cinchona tree, also known as cinchona.
This represents, similar to its neighbor, the riches of the vegetable kingdom, although it also has a historical interpretation: plagued by malaria during a period, the Peruvians extracted a powder from the bark of cinchona as a remedy for the disease.
At the bottom, on a reddish background, is a cornucopia, or cornucopia, pouring gold coins. The meaning of this element is the richness of the mineral kingdom.
Doorbell
The upper part of the shield, above the coat of arms, is adorned by a civic crown of holm oaks as a unique element. The presence of this crown symbolizes the victories of the Peruvian nation.
Supporter
Behind the coat of arms and extending to the sides, are the national flag and banner, placed on top of spears.
In one of the variants of the shield, the flag and the banner are accompanied by a branch of laurel and another palm, tied at one end with the patriotic colors, common element in many Latin American shields.
History and evolution of the Shield of Peru
Unlike other nations and the changes in their civic symbols, the coat of arms of Peru has not undergone so many modifications in its design since its first conception once the independence of the nation has been consecrated.
The first version of the shield came to light from the General's hand José de San Martin in its design, in 1820, and was also approved by the Constituent Congress of that time.
Coat of arms of the Republic of Peru created by San Martín in 1821
The central composition of that first design consisted of a view of The Andes from the sea, and the Sun rising behind the immense mountains.
Around the blazon, were a multitude of flags representative of the nascent Latin American nations, with a banana tree that stands in the middle.
These elements were accompanied on the sides by a condor on the left side, and a flame on the right side.
The next version of the national coat of arms would be approved in 1825, Simon Bolivar and the respective Constituent Congress.
Coat of Peru 1825
The design was once made by José Gregorio paredes and Francisco Javier Cortes, who gave it a very similar appearance to the current one. This was due to a decision by El Libertador to renew all patriotic symbols based on a law.
The last modification would take place more than a century later, in 1950, when by means of a law proposed by the President of the Military Junta of Government formed at that time, the lower part of the coat of arms was broadened and the internal divisions were made with more accuracy
It was officially coined in the term of National Shield, although it is not visible in the shield itself.
Variants of the Coat of Peru
The national shield has different versions depending on the scenario or official context in which it is displayed.
The most common of all, and described in detail in these lines, is officially called as National Shield.
Coat of arms
The Coat of Arms of the Republic of Peru, unlike the National Coat of Arms, does not have the flag or the standard on the sides of the coat of arms.
These are replaced by a laurel branch and a palm branch, each one on one side, and joined at the bottom by a ribbon that carries the national colors. This version of the shield is what is usually found on the back of coins and bills.
Great Seal of the Peruvian State
The presence of this variant of the national shield is limited only to documents and official reports of the Peruvian State. Its stamp is mandatory on the letterhead of any governmental and regional document that has an official character.
It is not exhibited publicly in celebrations or in public institutions. The main quality of this version is the presence of the text"Republic of Peru"above the coat of arms, which has the same design as the so-called National Coat of Arms.
Naval Shield
This variant last variant, although sometimes considered as a separate category, uses many elements of the national shield.
Its exhibition is limited to the internal ranks of the Peruvian Navy. Its design surrounds the coat of arms with two large golden anchors, a sun above, and the presence of the text"Navy of Peru".
References
- Basadre, J. (2005). Paradise in the New World. In J. Basadre, The promise of Peruvian life. Lima: CONSTRUCTOR Institute.
- From Peru. (s.f.). The Shield of Peru . Retrieved from deperu.com: deperu.com
- ENCINAS, D. (2016). The shields of democracy in Argentina and Peru: the crisis as a path towards competitive authoritarianism. Political science magazine .
- Leonardini, N. (2009). Identity, ideology and republican iconography in Peru. ARBOR Science, Thought and Culture , 1259-1270.
- The Republic. (July 13, 2016). Learn about the history of the National Shield of Peru. The Republic .