The National Seal of Venezuela

A presentation by Madeline Lank

The first seals

In use 1810-1812 First seal officially adopted 19 in center represents date of the Declaration of Independence (April 19, 1810)

In use 1821-1830 Abandoned after the dissolution of Grand Columbia

The Current Seal begins to develop

Created in 1836. Designed by Manuel Felipe de Tovar and Antonio Febres Cordero, with help from artist Carmelo Fernandez and British diplomat Sir Robert Ker Porter Red: 20 ears of wheat for states of Venezuela. unity and wealth Yellow: Spears and sword, entwined with national flags, crowned with laurel. Victory Blue: untamed horse, possibly based on Bolivars horse. Independence. On the banner: Libertad- -19 de abril de 1810-5 de julio de 1811

Changes to the seal before 2006

1856
Horse runs to the left, with head turned to the right

1863-1864
Banner changes. 5 de julio de 1811(Independence)God and Federation- 28 de marzo de 1864(Constitution) Horse runs left to right Introduction of cornucopias and olive and palm branches

1871
Addition of La derecha Independencia to the left and Libertad to the right banner

1930
Banners become tricolor. 19 de abril de 1810 Independencia-EE.UU de Venezuela- 20 de febrero de 1859 Federacion

The Current Seal

Changed in 2006 Machete (for peasant fighters), bow and arrow (for indigenous fighters) added to the yellow. Horse faces completely left. Middle banner reads Republica Boliviariana de Venezuela