BOLIVIA
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The territory of present Bolivia was a part of the
Vice-Kingdom of Peru named Upper-Peru. In 1548 La Paz (Peace) was founded and
the harbour-city of Lima. In 1776 Upper-Peru was incorporated into the
Vice-Kingdom of Rio de la Plata (Silver River). On 25 May 1809 the authorities of Francisco Xavier
University in Chuquisaca refused to execute a royal decree of Joseph
Bonaparte and proclaimed themselves loyal to king Ferdinand VII. Subsequently
some declarations about autonomy and independence were made. After the restoration of the Bourbons in Spain there
remained a independence movement in Upper-Peru. Only on 6 August 1825
independence could be proclaimed. On that day a republic was founded which,
after the great freedomfighter Simon Bolivar, then dictator in Peru, was
named Republica de Bolivar on 11 August following. |
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As a part
of the Spanish Empire arms of the Spanish Monarchy and the King of Spain were
also valid in Bolivia. As the Crown of Castile had incorporated the new
territories into its domains when Queen Isabella withdrew the authority
granted Columbus and the first conquistadors and established direct royal
control, the royal arms of Castile became
also the arms of the king of the Americas. These consisted of a quarterly of
Castile and Leon, surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Fleece and
royally crowned. |
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16th century Arms and Crest of the Indies [1] |
Spanish emblems on a coin minted in the First
Mint of Potosi. Arms of Philip II between
1555 and 1580, Piles of Hercules [2] The royal
achievement of the Indies consisted of the royal arms, at first, in the time
of Charles I, supported by a two-headed eagle and later between or supported
by the Piles of Hercules. The
achievement of the Supreme Council of the Indies consisted of the arms of the
King of Spain, crowned and surrounded by the collar of the Order of the
Fleece, between the Pillars of Hercules and with a sailing ship below. The arms
of the Indies were: Arms: Per pale, Or, Azure and Sable, the piles of
Hercules Gules both surrounded by a ribbon with the motto PLVS VLTRA, the
dexter imperially crowned and the sinister royally crowned, rising from a sea
in base proper. Crest: On a wreath a bunch of ostrich feathers of
the colors. In the
time of Bourbon rule the emblem of the Indies consisted of a picture of the
Eastern and Western Hemispheres between the Piles of Hercules. |
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Potosi |
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In 1545 the
rich silver-deposits in the central range of the Andes mountains already
known by the Inca kings, were also discovered by the Spaniards and a
settlement and mines were founded there to exploit them. The place was named
Potosi, a word of indian origin. Mount
Potosi, which has played a crucial role in the history of Upper-Peru and
Bolivia, was adopted as the most important symbol of the country in 1547.
After the proclamation of independence in 1825 it was also adopted by the
later Republic of Bolivia.
Arms of Potosi of 28 January 1547. Ony one
year and ten months after the spanish dicovery of the wealth of the Cerro
Rico and the founding of the settlement of Potosi, Juan de Villarroel sent a
message to CharlesV, together with a gift of 12.000 mark silver, with the
request to be recognized as the discoverer of the mountains and the founder
of the ‘settlement and mines’ by Emperor Charles V of Germany, King of Spain.
By Royal Decree of 28 January 1547, written in Ulm (Germany), Charles V
granted the request and also the designation “Villa Imperial” (Imperial City) and a coat of arms. The main
charge of the arms was the mountain containing the silver-deposits called the
Rico Cerro (the rich mountain) The arms
were: Arms: Argent the Rico Cerro between the Piles of
Hercules. Crown: An Imperial Crown. Motto: |
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Soy el rico Potosí Del mundo soy el
tesoro Soy el Rey de los montes Y envidia soy de los Reies |
I am the
rich Potosi I am the
treasury of the World I am the
king of the mountains I am envied
by kings |
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In 1562
Potosi received the privileges of a city, independence from the Royal Court
and Chancellery of La Plata de los Charcas (Audiencia
y Cancillería Real de La Plata de los Charcas, (= Audiencia de Charcas) and the
ratification of the designation ‘Villa Imperial’. The act was dated Ciudad de
Los Reyes (= Lima), 7 November 1561 and signed by the vice-king of Peru Don Diego López de Zúñiga y
Velasco, Count of Nieva (1561-’64). On 1 January 1562 the act was executed.
As a consequence King Philip II granted the city a new coat of arms by an act
dated Segovia, 10 August 1565.
Arms of Potosi of
10 August 1565. The new,
augmented arms are: Arms: Argent, an Imperial
eagle, on its breast a quarterly of Castilla and Leon and in base Potosi
Mountain, between the Piles of Hercules. Order: De la Toison
d’Or Crown: An Imperial
Crown |
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Ten years
after the grant of arms of Philip II the arms were changed by the then
Vice-king of Peru, Don Francisco de Toledo (1569-’81) by an act dated
Arequipa, 2 August 1575. The new
arms are: Arms: Quarterly of Castila and Leon with an oval
escutcheon of Mount Potosi proper. Order: the collar of the Order of the Fleece. Supporter: A two-headed eagle decapitated Sable, clawed
Or, royally crowned and between the Piles of Hercules Compartement: A shield Or, inscribed with the motto: |
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Cesaris potentia pro rexis prudentia iste excelsus mons
et argentea orbem debelare valent universitum |
By the
power of the Emperor And the
wisdom of the King This
exellent Silver Mountain May
conquer The whole world |
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in orle. It is not
known why the two-headed eagle was decapitated. [3] After the
proclamation of the republic in 1825 the arms of Potosi were reduced to the
escutcheon by omitting all symbols reminding Spanis rule.
Seal of the Department of Potosi, 1831 |
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A national coat of arms was adopted on 17 August 1825. It consisted of four quarters which
were blasoned as “two large ones in the upper and lower part and the one in
the middle divided in halves making the other two”. The
Decree reads: "La Asamblea General de la República Bolívar,
deseando fijar el Escudo de Armas del nuevo Estado, ha venido, en decretar y
decreta lo que sigue: 1° El escudo de armas de la república de Bolivar estará dividido en
cuatro cuarteles dos de ellos grandes, saber el de la parte superior y
el del pie y el del medio dividido por la mitad, formará los otros
dos. 2°- En el cuartel superior se verán cinco estrellas de plata sobre
esmalte o campo azul, y estas serán significativas de los cinco departamentos
que forman la República. 3°.- En el cuartel del pie del Escudo se
verá el Cerro de Potosí, sobre campo de oro, y esto denotará la riqueza de la
República en el Reino Mineral. 4°.- En el cuartel del medio, en el
costado, ira grabado sobre campo blanco el árbol
prodigioso denominado del pan, que se encuentra en varias de las montañas de
la República, significándose por el la riqueza del Estado en el Reino,
Vegetal. 5°.- Al costado de dicho cuartel se verá, sobre campo o esmalte verde,
una alpaca, y esto significará la riqueza del Estado en el Reino Animal.
6°.- A la cabeza del Escudo se verá la Gorra de la Libertad y dos
genios a los lados de ella, teniendo por los extremos una cinta en que se lea
"República de Bolívar". 7°.- La Escarapela que han de llevar los
ciudadanos de la República será bicolor, como sus banderas, es decir entre
verde y punzó, y una estrella color de oro en el centro. Comuníquese
a S.E. el Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, para que lo eleve a conocimiento de S.E.
el Libertador, y lo mande imprimir, circular y publicar. Dado en
la Sala de Sesiones de Chuquisaca, a 17 de agosto de 1825.- José Mariano
Serrano, Presidente.- Angel Mariano Moscoso, Diputado Secretario.- José
Ignacio de Sanjines, Diputado Secretario." The
decree is interpreted in Bolivian and other sources as: Arms: Tierced per fess, the first Azure five
five-pointed stars Argent in orle; the second per pale, the dexter Argent, a
tree in a meadow proper; the sinister Vert, an alpaca (Vicugna pacos - Camelidæ). in a meadow proper; the third Or,
Mount Potosi rising from the plains proper. Crest: A
phrygian cap on a pole proper between two genii holding a ribbon with the
legend REPÚBLICA DE BOLÍVAR. [4] |
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The five stars represent the five parts which were united in the
republic: Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Potosí and Santa Cruz. They were
all made a department on 23 January 1826. |
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Soon, after the change of the name of the Republic into REPUBLICA BOLIVIANA and the
joining of Oruro on 5 September 1826, the number of stars was augmented to six.
A medal of that time shows an achievement of a different design. It is:
Arms: Azure,
an oval quarterly in saltire, the chief Argent six six-pointed stars [Or] 3,
2, 1; in base Or, Mount Potosi proper; on the dexter Argent a palmtree
proper; on the sinister Vert an alpaca
proper. Crest: A
Phrygian cap proper. Supporters: Four
national flags being of three horizontal stripes red, yellow and green 1:2:1, two cannon and other armoury in
saltire, and in base a drum all proper. |
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Not long afterwards the shield was replaced by an
oval charged with the Great Seal, adopted by law of 26 July 1826. (see below)
Achievement of the Republica Boliviana on a medal of
4 September 1831 |
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After the
joining of Tarija on 24 September 1831 the number of stars was augmented to
seven five-pointed stars and the name of the republic: REPUBLICA
BOLIVIANA added in
chief on a bordure around the shield:
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After the
elevation of the Coast Province (Provincia del Litoral) from a province to a
prefectoral district in 1839 and the joining of Beni to the republic on 18
November 1842 and during the presidency of Gral. José Ballivián
(1841-’48), the
number of stars was augmented to nine.
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During the presidency of Manuel Isidoro Belzu
(1848-’55) the phrygian cap was replaced by a “Bolivian Condor” by law of 5
November 1851.
Article 2 of this law reads: Artículo 2° En el Escudo de Armas sustituirá también el Cóndor de
Bolivia al Gorro Frigio.
Un Boliviano coin, 1868 Two houses added, the sheaf
of wheat and the palmtree corrupted. In base 11 stars. One of
the little houses may be the “Capilla
Sagrado Corazon de Jesus” (Chapel of the Holy Heart of Jesus). After
1870 the houses disappeared on coins. |
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As there were many versions of the achievement in
use, the versions on documents, the flag, stamps and coins being all slightly
different, president Gregorio Pacheco (1884-‘88) felt the need to introduce a
new design of the achievement for general use. [5] A decree of him, dated 14 July 1888, reads:
Achievement of Bolivia, 1888-1924 GREGORIO PACHECO, Presidente Constitucional de la Republica
de Bolivia, Considerando: Que es necesario
uniformar el uso del escudo y de la bandera nacional, para evitar las
irregularidades que se notan. Teniendo en vista las leyes de
17 de agosto de 1825, 26 de julio de 1826 y 5 de noviembre de 1851. Decreta: Artículo
1o
El Escudo de Armas de la República de Bolivia es de forma elíptica. En su centro y parte inferior figura el Cerro de
Potosí teniendo a su derecha una alpaca y a su izquierda un haz de trigo y el
árbol del pan. En la parte superior un sol naciente, tras del Cerro de
Potosí, con los celajes correspondientes. Alrededor del óvalo, cuyo filete
interior será dorado, esta inscripción "BOLIVIA" en la parte
superior, y nueve estrellas de oro en la inferior, sobrecampo azul. A cada
costado, tres pabellones, un cañon, dos fusiles, un hacha incaica a la
izquierda y el Gorro de la Libertad a la derecha. Remata el Escudo con el
Cóndor de los Andes en actitud de levantar el vuelo, posado entre dos ramas
entrelazadas de olivo y laurel. El campo exterior será azul perlado." Artículo 2o El escudo nacional se colocará sobre la portada del palacio nacional,
de las prefecturas y edificios públicos, legaciones y consulados, llevando la
inscripción correspondiente. Artículo 3o.- El gran sello del Estado, que es en su forma exactamente igual al
escudo nacional, con 80 milímetros de largo por 78 de ancho, lo usara el
Poder Ejecutivo para la sanción de las leyes, ratificación de tratados y
convenciones, credenciales y plenos poderes de los agentes diplomáticos y
exequátur de los cónsules. Artículo 4o.- El mismo Poder Ejecutivo para los demás actos, las cámaras
legislativas, la Corte Suprema el Tribunal de Cuentas y el Tribunal Marcial
usarán el propio sello reducido a 48 milímetros los ministerios de Estado y
legaciones, sello de 8 milímetros; las prefecturas, cortes de distrito
municipalidades, cancelariatos, consulados y jefaturas de aduana, sello de 30
milímetros; las subprefecturas, juntas municipales y demás autoridades. sello
de 20 milímetros. Artículo 5o.- La Bandera Nacional consta de tres fajas horizontales de igual
anchura y dimensiones, colocadas en este orden: una roja en la parte
superior, una color oro en el centro y una verde en la parte inferior. Artículo 6o.- Los cuerpos de ejercito usaran el pabellón nacional en tela de
seda, llevando al centro bordadas en realce de oro y plata las armas de la
República dentro de las dos ramas de olivo y laurel. Artículo 7o.- La bandera que se use en el palacio nacional, en las legaciones y
consulados y en los edificios públicos de la nación, llevara pintado al
centro el Escudo Nacional entre dos ramas de olivo y laurel y sus dimensiones
serán de seis metros de largo por cuatro de ancho. Artículo 8o.- En las fiestas públicas y conmemoraciones patrióticas, los
ciudadanos usaran la bandera boliviana, sin el escudo, izándola en sus
edificios, siendo extensivo este derecho a los extranjeros que quieran
asociarse. Artículo 9o.- Queda prohibido enarbolar en sierra los pabellones de otros
estados, con excepción de los casos de sus agentes diplomáticos y consulares.
Artículo 10o.- Para uniformar el uso del Escudo y de la Bandera, el gobierno
mandará construir los modelos precisos para su distribución en las oficinas
publicas, después de lo cual se inutilizaran los existentes. Artículo 11o.- El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y de Colonización queda
encargado de la ejecución de este decreto y de comunicarlo a quienes
corresponda. Dado en la capital de Sucre, a los 14 días
del mes de julio de 1888. (Fdo.) G. Pacheco (Fdo.) Juan Francisco Velarde. And the
achievement became: Arms: Mount Potosi, a sun radiant in the sky, an alpaca, a sheaf of
wheat and a palmtree at its foot, all proper. Crest: A condor rising surrounded by a garland of
olive and laurel proper Motto: On a bordure Or around the shield, the name
BOLIVIA in chief, charged in base with a listel Azure, nine five-pointed
stars Or. Supporters: Six national flags being of three horizontal
stripes red, yellow and green on their staffs, two cannon, a pole with a
phrygian cap, a fasces with its axe, and four rifles with their bayonets, all
in saltire and proper. |
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From
about 1895 a version of the achievement was in use with a bordure parted per
fess Or and Azure, in chief the name BOLIVIA in red lettering and in base nine
golden five-pointed stars. After
1924 this became the common version of the achievement, the version with the
listel abandoned about 1950.
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By Supreme Decree of 1 January 1924 of President Dr.
Bautista Saavedra (1921-’25) the cantua-flower (Cantua buxifolia - Polemoniaceae) was adopted as the
national flower.
Cantua buxifolia - Polemoniaceae The single article of the decree reads: Artículo Unico Consagrase como Emblema Nacional la Flor de la Khantuta,
que sustituirá la usual media corona de laurel, mirto u olivo o cualquier
otra, empleándose como motivo decorativo de conmemoraciones patrióticas,
civiles militares. En consecuencia, la adoptaran las sociedades científicas,
artísticas, comerciales, industriales y de beneficencia, establecidas en el
país." As the cantua flower was supposed to
replace ‘the crown of laurel, myrtle,
olive or something else at patriotic, civil and miltary memorial services’, the
decree did not have consequences for the achievement.
Example of the use of the national flower On a medal to commemorate
the 100th anniversary of the Republic, 1925 |
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During the presidency of General René Barrientos
Ortuño (1966-’69) a tenth star was added in base to the memory of the
Provincia del Litoral which was lost (to Peru) in the “unjust war of of
1879”.
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In a decree entitled “Bolivia: Símbolos Patrios, DS Nº 27630, 19
de julio de 2004” the achievement was
changed by making the bordure Azure instead of parted per fess Or and Azure,
the charges now all Or. Also a narrow golden edge was added between the
central shield and its bordure. Art. 5 of the decree reads: ARTÍCULO 5.- (ESCUDO NACIONAL) El Escudo de la República de Bolivia es de forma
elíptica. En la parte superior lleva un sol naciente apareciendo detrás del
Cerro de Potosí con los celajes del amanecer. En su
centro el Cerro Rico de Potosí y el Cerro Menor. En la
parte superior del cerro menor, la capilla del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. En
la parte inferior izquierda del conjunto formado por los cerros, una llama. A
su derecha un haz de trigo y una palmera. Alrededor, el óvalo de color azul
con un filete interior de color dorado. En la mitad superior del óvalo la inscripción BOLIVIA
en letras de oro y en mayúsculas. En la mitad inferior del óvalo diez
estrellas de cinco puntas en oro. A cada costado, tres
pabellones (banderas nacionales), un cañón, dos fusiles, un hacha a la
derecha y el gorro de la libertad a la izquierda. Remata el Escudo el cóndor de los Andes en actitud de levantar vuelo. Detrás del cóndor dos ramas entrelazadas de laurel y olivo. El laurel
a la izquierda y el olivo a la derecha haciendo una corona. Cuando
corresponda, el campo exterior al Escudo será azul perlado. Æ See illustration in
the head of this essay |
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In an
extensive decree entitled “Bolivia: Símbolos
del Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia, DS Nº 241, 5 de agosto de 2009” the national
achievement was described for the last time. [6] In Chapter III, sections 21-24 the achievement is described, its measures
and colors are established and its symbolism is explained. The description of the achievement reads as follows: Sección III Del Escudo de Armas Artículo 21°.- (Descripción) La imagen oficial del Escudo del Estado Plurinacional
de Bolivia es la siguiente: - En la parte superior del Escudo de Armas se encuentra
un sol naciente detrás del Cerro de Potosí con los celajes del amanecer. - En su centro, está el Cerro Rico de Potosí y el Cerro
Menor. - En la parte superior del Cerro Menor, se encuentra la
capilla del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. - En la parte inferior izquierda del conjunto formado
por los cerros está una Llama, a su derecha un haz de trigo y una palmera. - Alrededor, el óvalo de color azul con un ribete
interior de color dorado. - En la mitad superior del óvalo la inscripción BOLIVIA
en letras mayúsculas doradas. - En la mitad inferior del óvalo desplegadas diez
estrellas doradas de cinco puntas. - A cada costado del Óvalo, están tres pabellones
(Banderas tricolores) - Detrás del óvalo, se forma diagonal cruzan dos
cañones y cuatro fusiles, formando una X. - A lado derecho del óvalo se encuentra una hacha. - A lado izquierdo del óvalo se encuentra el Gorro de
al Libertad. - El Cóndor de los Andes, en actitud de alzar vuelo,
corona el Escudo de Armas. - Detrás del Cóndor se hallan dos ramas entrelazadas de
laurel y olivo. - El laurel a la izquierda y el olivo a la derecha
haciendo una corona. Which confirms the description of 2004. Its symbolism is as follows:
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Chuquisaca |
23.01.1826 |
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La Paz |
23.01.1826 |
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Potosi |
23.01.1826 |
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Cochabamba |
23.01.1826 |
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Santa Cruz |
23.01.1826 |
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Oruro |
05.09.1826 |
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Litoral |
01.06.1829 |
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Tarija |
24.09.1831 |
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Beni |
18.11.1842 |
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Pando |
24.09.1938 |
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The law of 26 July 1826 about the Great Seal reads: Artículo 1 El Gran Sello de la República será de forma elíptica, con cuarenta y
cinco líneas de longitud y cuarenta de latitud; se figura
en él un Sol naciendo tras del Cerro de Potosí, en campo de plata; a la
derecha del Potosí una alpaca subiendo, y a la izquierda un haz de trigo y
una rama del árbol del pan; por debajo seis estrellas en campo azul;
alrededor de la parte superior tendrá la inscripción "República
Boliviana". That is to say: “The Great Seal of the Republic will be an oval of fourty-five
unities high and fourty wide; on it will be a sun rising from the Potosi
Mountainridge on a white field, on the right of the Potosi there is an
alpaca, and on the left a sheaf of wheat, and to the left of thisbsheaf of
wheat a branch of a palm-tree; below are six stars on a blue field; and
around the upperpart there is the inscription “República Boliviana”. ” And this charge of the great seal, which was adapted
sevetral times, has remained the main charge of the Bolivian coat of arms
until present. The great
seal itself evoluated in a special way in that the picture established in
1826 was augmented with exterior ornaments. It closely followed the evolution
of the achievement the legend changed, ultimately into GRAN SELLO DEL
ESTADO. [7] |
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Print of
1860 |
Print of
1851 |
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Print of
1839 |
Prints of
1868-‘77 |
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Prints of
1927-‘35 |
Prints of
1924-‘26 |
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In the Republic
no counterparts of the Spanish regalia were made. In Spain and many other
western monarchies these consisted of a crown, a scepter and an orb. The royal offical dress was usually a
military uniform completed with a sash. Joseph Napoleon introduced the royal
coronation mantle, lined with ermine and this was also adopted by King
Ferdinand VII. The
President of the Republic continued the tradition to dress in military
uniform or in dress suit, also completed with a sash.
Presidential Sash and Collar of Office [8] Throughout its existence the President of the
Republic of Bolivia has worn a sash in the colors of the flag, red, yellow
and green. Usually these colors were arranged horizontally but some early
presidents weared sashes of other colors or the colors diferently arranged. All presidents (but for the early ones) however,
weared a collar of office of a golden chain with a jewel pending therefrom
consisting of a golden medal showing Mount Potosi and a sun radiant above it.
The medal is hanging from a bow and is surrounded by an oval frame and a
garland of two branches of laurel all
set with diamonds. |
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José Maria
Perez de Urdininea, 1828 |
José
Ballivian 1841-‘46 |
Eusebio
Guilarte Vera 1847-‘48 |
Manuel
Isidor Belzu 1848-‘55 |
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Ensign
until 1888 ca. [9]
Ensign
1888-1925 ca [10]
Ensign
until 1966
(2013) |
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Army |
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Old |
New (2009) |
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The new symbol of the army contains the Wiphala, the national symbol as
described in Chapter IV art. 27 of the Decree of 5 August 2009. [11]
Gate of the Kalasasaya Temple, La Paz. The head of the emblems of the army and the navy is
borrowed from the sculptures of the Puerta del Sol of the Kalasasaya temple,
dating from the Tihuanaco culture (200 BC-200AD). |
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Navy |
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Old |
New (2009) |
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Air Force |
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Emblem
Pilot
Commander Wings
Roundel |
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Police |
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© Hubert de Vries 2013-02-05
Heraldry of the World