Mayotte Coat of Arms: Symbolism and Design
The coat of arms of Mayotte serves as a powerful visual representation of the region's identity, blending French national heritage with local natural and cultural elements. This heraldic emblem is not merely a decorative seal but a structured symbol that reflects the administrative status and the spirit of the people of Mayotte.
The design was conceptualized by Michel Chabin, the former director of the Reunion Archives, and brought to life through the artistry of Pascale Santerre. Originally adopted by the former General Council of Mayotte on July 23, 1982, the emblem was officially assumed by the department in 2011.
Key Facts
- Adoption Date: July 23, 1982.
- Designers: Created by Michel Chabin and drawn by Pascale Santerre.
- Motto: "Ra Hachiri" (We are vigilant).
- Supporters: Two seahorses.
- Primary Colors: Red, blue, and yellow.
- Armiger: The President of the French Republic (currently Emmanuel Macron).
Heraldic Composition and Symbolism
The Escutcheon
The central part of the coat of arms is the escutcheon (the shield). In heraldic terms, it is described as "Per fess azure a crescent argent and gules two ylang-ylang flowers or; within a bordure engrelled argent." This means the shield is divided horizontally: the top half is blue (azure) featuring a silver (argent) crescent, and the bottom half is red (gules) featuring two gold (or) ylang-ylang flowers. The entire shield is enclosed by a silver border with a scalloped edge (engrelled).
Supporters and Motto
Flanking the shield are two seahorses, which act as the supporters of the emblem. Below the shield lies the motto "Ra Hachiri," a phrase in the Shimaore language meaning "We are vigilant." The entire composition is framed by the text "Département de Mayotte," utilizing the Barmeno Bold typeface, with the word "de" positioned vertically.
Color Specifications and Technical Standards
The color palette is deeply rooted in the French national identity, utilizing the red and blue of the French flag, complemented by yellow for the ylang-ylang flowers. To ensure consistency across all official media, a strict graphic charter defines the exact color codes.
| Color | CMYK | Pantone | RGB | Web (HEX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 0, 95, 94, 0 | 485 C | 228, 35, 34 | #E42322 |
| Blue | 85, 71, 0, 0 | 2945 C | 56, 84, 157 | #38549D |
| Yellow | 9, 0, 91, 0 | 3945 C | 245, 230, 10 | #F5E60A |
Alternative Versions
Recognizing that technical constraints can affect printing and display, the graphic charter provides two alternative versions of the coat of arms. One is rendered in shades of grey, and the other is a high-contrast black and white version (100% black and 100% white) for maximum clarity in restricted formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Mayotte coat of arms?
The emblem was created by Michel Chabin, the former director of the Reunion Archives, and drawn by Pascale Santerre.
What does the motto "Ra Hachiri" mean?
Translated from the Shimaore language, "Ra Hachiri" means "We are vigilant."
What is the significance of the flowers on the shield?
The shield features two ylang-ylang flowers in gold, representing a significant botanical element of the region.
When was the coat of arms officially adopted?
It was first adopted by the former General Council of Mayotte on July 23, 1982, and later assumed by the department in 2011.
What animals appear on the coat of arms?
The escutcheon is supported by two seahorses.