Armoria
http://www.geocities.com/binneskild

Themes – mountains

To learn more about the arms illustrated, click on the images.

TABLE MOUNTAIN, at the foot of which the first permanent settlement in South Africa began, features in a number of coats of arms – in two of them, as the compartment on which the supporters stand.

Table Mountain forms the compartment in the arms of the Western Cape ProvinceDevil’s Peak and Lion’s Head in the arms of Cape Town

At the north-eastern extremity of the range stands Devil’s Peak (which in the days of Dutch rule was called Windberg). It predominates in the “arms” of Rondebosch, is found also in the arms of one of the schools of Rondebosch, and appears in symbolic form in the arms of a church in Observatory.

Devil’s Peak in the arms of Rondebosch

Devil’s Peak in the arms of Westerford High SchoolDevil’s Peak symbolised by a chevron in the arms of St Michael’s Church, Observatory

Overlooking the town of Uitenhage are the Groot and Klein Winterhoek mountain ranges. The Groot Winterhoek and their principal peak, Cockscomb, are featured in the arms of Hoërskool Brandwag.

The Groot Winterhoek in the arms of Hoërskool Brandwag

In the arms of the Free State Province there is a geometric outline representing the familiar Free State koppies (flat-topped hills).

three merlons in the arms of Free State, representing koppies

A different geometric outline – a fillet dancetty – stands for the Drakensberg range in the arms of the Diocese of Umzimvubu.

dancetty line in the arms of the Diocese of Umzimvubu, representing the Drakensberg

Counter

Back to top of page

Vir Afrikaans, kliek hier

Back to themes index

Back to Armoria index

Comments, queries: Mike Oettle

1