1. SHIELDS / COAT OF ARMS

2. Shields Throughout the course of history, shields have been used in warfare to protect soldiers from their enemies. Shields also show a soldiers allegiance to his country by having a uniformed pattern determined by the army served Shields can also show a persons heritage and family history. Symbolism is used in shields to illustrate deeper meanings.

3. Roman Shields The shields depicted to the left are Roman Shields. Each symbol on the shield illustrated the soldiers ranking in the army

4. European Shield This type of shield is called a Targe or jousting shield. The symbolism of this shield shows a persons family history with a crest at the bottom and a family motto around a symbolic animal.

5. French Shields Called a Buckler, these shields often symbolized a vow or promise to the gods to protect the royal family and their citizens

6. African Shield This is known as a Nias Ceremonial Shield, used in battle and in religious ceremonies.

7. Shield Shape Shields come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few examples.

8. Sample Crests