The coat of arms of Dutch New Guinea was one of a number of national symbols chosen by the Papuan representative body the New Guinea Council in 1961.[1] The coat of arms was not however recorded in the National Committee October 1961 manifesto unlike the flag and anthem.[1][2] The design on the shield incorporated the new Morning Star flag. The shield was supported by two lesser birds-of-paradise (Paradisaea minor) and surrounded by a garland of local flowers and a scroll bearing the motto "Setia, djudjur, Mesra" (Loyal, Honest, Affectionate).[2]
