Supporter (Heraldry)

In heraldry, supporters are figures usually placed on either side of them shield and depicted holding it up. These figures may be real or imaginary animals, human figures, and in rare cases plants or inanimate objects. Often these can have local significance, such as the fisherman and the tin miner granted to Cornwall County Council, or an historical link, such as the lion of England and unicorn of Scotland on the two variations of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.

There is usually one supporter on each side of the shield, though there are some examples of single supporters placed behind the shield.

In the Coat of Arms above for the Bahamas, the supporters are a Marlin and a Flamingo.