Madagascar - Coat of Arms 1963

The provinces of the Republic of Madagascar were granted coats of arms designed by the well known French heraldists Robert Louis and Suzanne Gauthier. The coats of arms were published on stamps from 1963 until 1972.

1963
ANTSIRABE
ANTALAHA
Origin/meaning :
The arms show parts of a vanilla plant (orchid), as vanilla is of great importance to the local economy.
TULEAR
ANTANANARIVO / TANANARIVE
Origin/meaning :
The arms are quartered with a zebu head and a lily. The lily represents France, the zebu head refers to the favorite and blessed animal of the Malagasy people.
The motto means : "One thousand men cannot die in one day".
NOSSI-BÉ
MANANJARY
Origin/meaning :
The plant in the top of the arms is the "ravenala" or "traveller's tree", common to Madagascar. I have no information on the meaning or origin of the lower part of the arms. Any information is welcome !
MAJUNGA
Origin/meaning :
The arms show a large baobab tree, typical for the region. The chief shows some boats, indicating that Majunga is a main harbour town. The elements are similar to those of Morondava.
FIANARANTSOA
DIEGO-SUAREZ