Last modified: 2002-02-01 by jarig bakker
Keywords: botswana | zebras: 2 | pula |
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![[Botswana Coat of Arms]](../images/b/bw).gif)
image from this site, reported
by Dov Gutterman, 8 Mar 1999
CoA adopted 25 January 1966
The shape of the shield is rather strange, as it is a shape use d in
East Africa and not by the Tswana tribes. The cog wheels symbolise mining
and industry in the country. The waves symbolise the (few) rivers in the
country, and the importance of water. The bull's head symbolises the importance
of cattle herding for the economy of the country.
The supporters are two zebra (Equus zebra), which are common among
the wildlife in Botswana. The supporters hold an elephant's tusk, as a
symbol for the former ivory trade, and a ear of sorghum, the main local
crop.
The motto Pula means Rain, indicating the importance of rain for the
country.
Source: Ralf Hartemink's
website.
Jarig Bakker, 24 Jan 2002
Both the currency and national motto of Botswana are Pula which
means 'rain'. To a Tswana, pula means more than just the wet stuff
which falls out the sky: it stands for luck, life and prosperity. In Mmabatho,
in ex-Bophuthatswana, one of the most impressive pieces of architecture
is the water tower in the symbolic shape of two hands holding aloft a bowl.
Probably not really surprising imagery for such a dry region.
Stuart A.Notholt, 3 November 1996
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