Last modified: 2009-08-01 by rick wyatt
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The county web page at www.co.valencia.nm.us/about_the_seal.htm describes the coat of arms and alludes to the existence of a flag:
The Valencia County Coat of Arms
In 1990 the Valencia County Board of Commissioners adopted the current Coat of Arms after the Valencia County Arts Council chose a unique design created by David Cordova, a 1990, Belen High School Graduate. Cordova wanted to join Valencia, Spain and Valencia County in a harmonious way. He looked for what Valencia in Spain had in common with Valencia County in New Mexico. He started with the red and gold colors of the New Mexico flag whose colors are traced back to the Royal Court of Spain.
Cordova wanted his design to symbolize identity and unity for Valencia County. He felt that the Coat of Arms should provide a sense of pride in our county’s heritage.
The crimson and gold colors are believed to be the royal colors of Queen Isabella of Castile who commissioned Christopher Columbus on his voyage leading to the discovery of the New World. The Zia is the ancient Zia Indian’s symbol for the sun. Above the horizontal arms of the Zia rest two “L’s” topped by flames, which stands for “Liberty” and “Loyalty”. At the base of the Zia, curving out to the left is a bay branch. The bay branch or leaf is used in the Valencian Coat of Arms and is traditionally offered as a prize for victory, excellence and honor. Curving to the right is a ristra of red chili, a living
symbol of New Mexican culture.
Today the Coat of Arms appears on the official county flag, stationary, official documents, county vehicles, facilities and the top of this and every web page of the Rio Abajo web site. In the photo at right David Cordova and his wife Gladys
stand in front of the Valencia County Courthouse where his design is prominently displayed on the front of the building. Cordova designed the "The Great Seal of Valencia County" in 1990.
As part of the recent courthouse renovation project, the Valencia County Coat of Arms was made part of the permanent structure of the building. At left workers maneuver the 1500lb. 8ft. diameter seal into position. Using Cordova's design,
HydroCut, of Belen, cut the seal from 1/4" mild steel using water jet cutting technology. It took over 150 hours to complete the project.
located by Dov Gutterman, 26 November 2002