Keetmanshoop

Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Namibia

KEETMANSHOOP (ǂNuǂgoaes)

Region: !Karas

Origin/meaning

The town was founded as Swartmodder (black-mud) and was later renamed by Johan Keetman who founded the Christian mission Keetmanshoop (Hope of Keetman). The lower part of the arms shows the old and new name; black for Swartmodder, the cross for the mission. The tree is a kokerboom, a typical tree in the area and very sturdy. The sheep is a symbol for the many sheep farms in the area. The crest shows a springbok, with a fountain, a symbol for the wildlife and the springs in the area.

Literature : Merrington (II)