When you first look at the Vanuatu coat of arms and you may only see a ni-Vanuatu man with a spear and a motto in Bislama but there’s much more to it. A lot of thought went into the design. A committee designed it for independence in 1980. The brief was to come up with something that would unite 83 islands, more than 100 cultures and languages, various political parties, 10 Christian denominations (and other faiths) and the bizarre colonial, condominium past. It was a big ask! The detailed aspects are:
The Man: He is ni-Vanuatu, Melanesian and a chief.- The Spear: This represents the man’s role as defender and protector of his people
- Armbands: These are ‘shell money’ denoting his role as a dealer in economic exchanges and distributor of services, goods and resources.
- Headdress: Along with the loincloth these represent the many modes of dress found throughout the country.
- The Land: The man stands with both feet firmly on the soil of his land.
- The Mele: The crossed cyclad leaves signify peace.
- The Tusk: The circular pig tusk symbolizes unity, wealth, prosperity and authority.
- The Mat: The mat in front of the man symbolises the importance of agriculture as well as the importance of women’s labour and their role in managing the agricultural economy.
- The Motto: “Long God Yumi Stanap” means more than just “we believe in God”. It is a reminder to give back to God, in sacrifice, all that he has bestowed upon the people.
