Coat of arms of Chile

Coat of arms of Chile
Armiger	Republic of Chile
Adopted	26 June 1834 (original version) 12 December 1967 (current design)
Crest	Three feathers Azure, Argent, Gules
Torse	Azure, Argent and Gules
Shield	Party per fess Azure and Gules a mullet argent
Supporters	Dexter, a huemul proper; Sinister, a condor also proper, both navally crowned Or
Compartment	A vegetal compartment Or on the bottom, white scroll with motto on it
Motto	Por la razón o la fuerza "By reason or by force"

The coat of arms of Chile dates from 1834 and was designed by the English artist Charles Wood Taylor (1792–1856). It is made up by a figurative background divided in two equal parts: the top one is blue and the bottom, red. A five pointed white star is in the centre of the shield. This background is supported in one side by a condor, the most significant bird of prey from the Andes, and in the other, by a huemul, a mammal endemic to Chile. Both animals wear golden naval crowns symbolising the heroic deeds of the Chilean Navy in the Pacific Ocean.

The coat of arms is crowned by a three-feathered crest, each feather bearing one colour: blue, white and red. This crest was a symbol of distinction that former presidents of the Republic used to wear on their hats.

Underneath the coat of arms and on the elaborated pedestal, there is a white band with the motto: Por la Razón o la Fuerza ("By reason or force").

This emblem is the last of a series of variations due to diverse circumstances and understandings.