  the current coat of arms of zimbabwe was adopted on september 21, 1981, one year and five months after the national flag was adopted. previously the coat of arms of zimbabwe was identical to the former coat of arms of rhodesia. ==description== the coat of arms depicts two kudus on the left and right, each standing on top of an earthly mound composed of stalks of wheat, a pile of cotton, and a head of maize. at their feet there is also a banner emblazoned with the zimbabwean national motto (unity, freedom, work). the shield itself is green, featuring 14 waves of alternating white and blue waved lines at top (chief argent), and also at the centre of the shield a representation of the ancient kingdom of great zimbabwe is shown. placed behind the shield are an agricultural hoe (to the left) and an ak-47 assault rifle (to the right). the wreath is gold and green and the crest features the zimbabwe bird on a red star background. ==meanings== the meanings of the zimbabwean coat of arms are as follows: *kudus: the unity of zimbabwe's various ethnic groups *earthly mound with plants: the need to always provide for the zimbabweans *motto banner: the need to maintain national unity and the preservation of freedom *green shield: the fertility of the country's soil and water *great zimbabwe: the historical heritage of the nation *hoe and rifle: celebrates the struggle for peace and democracy, as well as the proud work-ethic of the zimbabwean people. they also symbolise the transition from war to peace. *strips of silk of gold and green: the national financial enterprise and the protection of the economy *red star: hope for the future of zimbabwe. conveys the socialist revolutionary nature of the 1980 achievement of majority rule, and the struggle towards a fair, equal socie
National_coats_of_arms National_symbols_of_Zimbabwe