A coat of arms is the principal part of a system of hereditary symbols, which dates back to early medieval Europe, and is used mainly to establish identity in battle. A coat of arms that is found on an escutcheon forms the central element of the entire heraldic achievement, which consists mainly of a shield, a motto, supporters, and a crest. Traditionally, a coat of arms is unique to an individual, family descent, adoption, a state, an organization, school or other institution or cooperation, alliance, property ownership and later on, a profession.
The Significance of Jamaica’s National Symbol – the Coat of Arms