From the Collection #28 - A Sinister Swan
Part of the "From the Collection" series prepared and distributed to a subscribers' list during 2022 as a follow on to the "Virtual Visit" series initiated during the COVID lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 The collection focus of this item is the use of the black swan in Western Australian heraldic practice.
Before 1969, Western Australia sometimes used a motto of "Cygnis insignis", which means "distinguished for swans", being a Latin pun on the swan emblem (cygnis being Latin for "swan"). 'Insignis' can also mean "remarkable", "outstanding" or "conspicuous" – all adjectives pointing to the long-standing association between Western Australia and the emblematic black swan. The official coat of arms of Western Australia was granted by a royal warrant of Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, dated 17 March 1969. The Black Swan, Cygnus atratus, was proclaimed the bird emblem of Western Australia on 25 July
1973. Atratus means ‘dressed in black’
Details
Details
Typically only a small portion of a museum collection is exhibited at any one time. This is due not only to practical consideration of display space but a range of professional considerations designed to protect and preserve the artefact. This series highlights objects and stories you may have overlooked in the galleries or collection items awaiting the opportunity to be viewed and share their story.
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
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