The  National Shield

 

The  Argentine National Shield  has its origin in the seal used by the Sovereign General Constituent Assembly from 1813. But,  neither a decree nor a resolution  imposing the adoption of that seal is known from such body. However, it is deduced that this measure was probably taken during the first sessions of the memorable Assembly as, in the 22^nd of  February decree, signed by Alvear and Vieytes, the shield already appeared in a seal. The first mentioning of it dates from 12^th  March, the same year, when it was determined that the Supreme Executive Power; that is to say, the Second Triumvirate, would use the same seal as the one used by the Sovereign Assembly, the only difference being the inscription around the attributes. Another decree, dated 27^th  April, already stated that seal as national emblem as it established that the arms of the king locating in public places or appearing in shields and flags of some corporations had to be substituted by the arms of the Assembly.

 

Description and meaning

 

There is no measure that determines the colours of the National Shield  but they arose from the natural coloration of its attributes. The horizontal line boasting of the top division of the oval indicates that it is blue colour according to the customary laws of heraldry. The argentine national colours, blue and white constitute the two divisions of the shield, separated by a horizontal line in the middle part and it has come to an agreement that it must be the same light-blue shade as the National Flag is. The spear is brown as its staff is made of wood; the hands are flesh-coloured; the Phrygian bonnet is red, according to the tradition of French Revolution; the sun is golden yellow and the laurels, green. The ribbon that ties them has the national colours.