On this page
Antarctic Imagery, Local AssociationsThe Published Symbolic VocabularyFollow the Symbols Into the ArmorialAntarctic imagery, local associations
The Westarctica Wiki records a set of associations for heraldic animals, objects, and natural features. These provide a vocabulary for design within Westarctican practice.
A symbol’s context matters. A snowflake on a shield has different published associations from a snowflake used as a crest; an iceberg beneath the supporters has a different role from one charged on the shield. A particular bearer’s intentions are best established from the record or their own explanation.
The following table is a guide to those published associations. It is not a universal dictionary of heraldic symbolism.
The published symbolic vocabulary
| Component | Association in Westarctican practice |
|---|---|
| Adélie penguin | Curiosity, spirit, or readiness to act. |
| Brown skua | Ambition or taking an opportunity. |
| Chinstrap penguin | Public speaking, the common good, or LGBT+ identity. |
| Iceberg on the shield or lozenge | Patience or steadfastness. |
| Iceberg as a compartment | Service to Westarctica or commitment to its ideals. |
| King or emperor penguin | Family, constitution, or dedication. |
| Kraken | Military combat service. |
| Krill | Modest origins. |
| Masted ship on the shield or lozenge | Seafaring or exploration. |
| Masted ship as a crest | Naval service. |
| Midge | Adaptability. |
| Orca | Community or ferocity when provoked. |
| Pelican on the shield or lozenge | A family relationship to House McHenry. |
| Pelican as a crest | Commitment to the throne or monarchist identity. |
| Penguin, species unspecified | On the shield, Westarctica generally or a connection to cold climates. |
| Sea lion | Courage or amicability. |
| Snow petrel | A family-first outlook or a visit to the South Pole. |
| Snowflake on the shield or lozenge | Love of cold climates, the “Old Guard,” or Westarctican ideals. |
| Snowflake as a crest | A visit to Westarctica itself. |
| Blue or humpback whale | Conservation work or interests. |
| Whale, species unspecified | On the shield, gentleness or love of the sea. |
The guidelines favor specifying the species when a penguin or whale appears as a supporter.
Follow the symbols into the armorial
Sources & further reading
References consulted 14 November 2026.