Information about effigy: Coat of Arms of Fiji

The Coat of Arms of Fiji is a heraldic device consisting of a shield divided quarterly by the Cross of St. George and charged with a gold lion at the top, supported by two Fijian warriors, one on each side, and topped with a canoe as the crest.

Adopted in 1908 by a Royal Warrant, it has been the coat of arms of Fiji since that year, having been retained after independence in 1970. The escutcheon from the arms is featured on the flag of Fiji.

Although its design was "intended to be British", the arms also incorporate symbols of Fiji. When it was granted independence on 10 October 1970, Fiji decided to retain its Coat of Arms from the colonial era.

This was partly because of its links to Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the first and last King of Fiji (Fijian: Tui Viti) who relinquished control of the country to Britain. However, the Coat of Arms featured on the flag was modified, which involved removing the crest, supporters, and motto, thus leaving only the escutcheon untouched. This was done in order to enlarge the shield and make it more prominent.

The colours and objects on the Coat of Arms carry cultural, political, and regional meanings. The Cross of St. George - which divides the shield quarterly - and the golden lion at the top represent the United Kingdom, the former colonial power that ruled over Fiji. The cacao pod held in the lion's paw, along with the sugarcane, coconut palm and bananas occupying three of the four quadrants, represent the country's natural resources, since these are key agricultural crops in Fiji. The bottom left quadrant contains a dove that symbolises peace - this was utilised on the country's flag during the reign of King Cakobau, whose government was the last before the commencement of British rule.

The crest at the top depicts a takia - a traditional Fijian outrigger canoe, in full sail - while the supporters grasping the shield on both sides are Fijian warriors. According to legend, they are twins; the brother on the left is clutching a spear, while the one on the right holds a totokia club.

At the bottom is the country's motto: Rerevaka na kalou ka doka na Tui; translated from Fijian: Fear God and honour the Queen.