The Papua New Guinea National Emblem is a partially-stylized representation of the widespread Bird of ParadiseGenus paradisaea in display, head turned to its left, seated on the upturned grip of a horizontal Kundu drum with the drum-head to the right side of the bird, from behind which a horizontal ceremonial spear projects with the head to the left of the bird.
If coloured proper, the following colours should be used –
The badge consisting of the crown and the initials N.G. was used by the south eastern quarter of the island by the BritishNew Guinea Protectorate. The protectorate was established in 1884 after an informal claim to the territory was made by the Premier of Queensland in 1883. The badge was also used in the flag of the territory, by being placed on the blue ensign.
1888–1906
A new badge was used once the territory was formally annexed by Britain in 1888 and the name was changed to British New Guinea. The badge was also used in the flag of the territory, by being placed on the blue ensign. As for the governor, the badge is surrounded by garland and defaced on the Union Jack.
1906–1971
The badge of Papua was used once the name and administration of the territory was changed in 1906. With the passage of the Australian Papua Act 1905, the territory was passed from Britain to Australia. The badge was also used in the flag of the territory, by being placed on the blue ensign.
On 1 July 1971 the National Identity Ordinance was passed into law by the House of Assembly. The ordinance introduced a new emblem for the territory, which was retained after independence by Papua New Guinea as an independent Commonwealth realm in 1975.