Just like the Chile flag, the Seal of Arms has experienced various alterations from its creation until today due to new ideas and diverse circumstances. The first seal was established during the government of José Miguel Carrera, in 1812. It was designed on an oval; in the center there was a column representing the tree of liberty; above the column the earth; above the globe, a lance and crossed palms, and above these a star.
At the foot of the column, an man and woman, both natives. In the upper part, this seal carried a Latin theme “After the darkness, light”, and on the bottom, another Latin theme “Or by counsel or by sword.” In 1817, two new seals arose.
The seal of June 1817, simply kept the column, the globe and the star over an oval, that in the upper part carried the word “Liberty”.
In October, another similar seal was created which added two crossed flags and removed the word “Liberty”.
On September 23, 1819, the Senate approved a project to form a seal on a blue field, an ionic column in the center on a pedestal of white marble. On top, the new world, mounted with the word “Liberty”. Above this, a star with five points, representing the province of Santiago.
On both sides of the column, two equal stars for Concepción and Coquimbo. This was surrounded by two laurel branches tied with a tricolor ribbon. On the ribbon: words describing the military.
Finally, a native, seated on an American alligator, with the seal in his hands high above his head.
One of the feet of the native is supported on the horn of Analtea, or fortune. The alligator crushes with its jaws the lion on Castilla, whose crown has fallen and holds the torn Spanish flag.
This seal awoke critics who sought to replace it.
The government of Joaquín Prieto held a contest to reform the seal, having approved the model proposed by Carlos Wood Taylor, a consummate artist.
In August 1832, with the signature of president Prieto and his minister Joaquín Tocornal, the project was sent to Congress where it was approved on June 24, 1834. Thus establishing the National Seal with the same colors as the flag.
This was designed on a field of blue and red with a white star in the middle. On top, a tricolor crest: blue, white, and red. Supported on its sides by a Huemul and a Condor.
Finally on October 18, 1967, by Supreme Decree, the characteristics of the official National Seal were set and it was named a “National Emblem.”
Source: Revista Icarito
