The National Emblem of the Republic of Komi is an image of the gold bird of prey on the red heraldic shield created after Perm animal style. There is a woman face on the bird's breast surrounded by six elk heads. The Komi mythological views are reflected in the combination of the bird, human being and elk made in the hieratic cast style.
The traditions interpret the bird of prey with the half-spread wings as a combined image of the Sun, Power and Upper World. The woman face on the bird's breast means Zarni An (Golden Woman) that is Goddess of the Sun and World Mother granting life. The elk image associates with Power, Nobility and Beauty. According to the cosmological conception it is a synthesis of the concordant structure of the world. The gold and red colour combination which is the key one in the colour scheme of the National Emblem symbolizes the morning spring warm sunlight, motherhood and birth in the Komi folklore. At the same time a contemporary public and political interpretation for the red field (the background) is activity, vigour of people and power. In combination with the shield shape it may be associated with the historical fate of Komi people, who are part of the multinational Russian state. Therewith the bird with the half-spread wings assumes the cross shape that might be interpreted as a symbol of ecclesiastical and state power.
