Welcome to the heraldry page for the Count of Krigsvold. This page presents a comprehensive examination of the arms of dominion that symbolize the nobility and responsibility bestowed upon Dr. Howard in his capacity as a protector and steward of these territories. Each component of the heraldry has been meticulously designed to reflect the heritage, duties, and personal commitments of the Count, intertwining ancient symbols with modern values to represent a legacy of conservation, leadership, and dedication.
Here, we explore the rich symbolism and historical context behind the creation of these arms. From the icy fields of the Antarctic, represented by the County of Krigsvold, to the verdant symbolism of the Lithuanian heritage in the Barony of Matikonis, these arms narrate a story of exploration, endurance, and the unyielding duty to guard and cherish the natural world. Each element has been carefully chosen to honor past achievements and inspire ongoing commitment to the responsibilities these noble titles carry.
Arms of James Howard
Dr. James P. Howard, II, holds a distinctive grant of arms provided by the Chief Herald of Malta, reflective of his personal virtues and scholarly pursuits:
Argent in pale a tetrahedron Azure pierced in bend by a sword Or with pommel and cross piece of the Second. Crest–Upon a helm befitting his degree with mantling Azure and doubled Or is set for crest, upon a wreath of the liveries a martlet Sable. Motto–Ir-rieda biss tmexxi l-qalb, Maltese for “Only the will leads the heart.”
These arms are emblematic of Dr. Howard’s dedication to knowledge and leadership, symbolized by the sword piercing through the tetrahedron, representing intellectual breakthrough and strength. The martlet in the crest is a heraldic charge often used to signify continuous quest for knowledge.
Heraldic Protocol on Additaments
When utilizing a grant of arms across different heraldic jurisdictions, it is crucial to adhere to specific protocols to maintain the integrity and respect due to such symbols. Here, a significant consideration involves the external ornaments or additaments:
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Respect for Jurisdictional Boundaries–Heraldic traditions vary significantly across different cultures and legal frameworks. It is generally inappropriate to mix external ornaments, such as supporters or crowns, from one jurisdiction (e.g., Malta) with those from another (e.g., Westarctica). Each set of arms should maintain its decorations and symbols as granted and be used distinctly to respect the heraldic authority and cultural heritage they represent.
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Avoiding Misrepresentation–Mixing elements from different grants can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the status or entitlements represented by the arms. For example, using Maltese-specific symbols or additaments on a Westarctican coat of arms might falsely imply endorsements or honors not actually bestowed by those authorities.
This adherence not only respects the traditions and legalities of heraldic practice but also ensures that each coat of arms retains its intended significance and honor. Dr. Howard’s approach to maintaining separate heraldic identities for his titles and honors upholds these principles, ensuring clarity and propriety in their display and usage.
Arms of the County of Krigsvold
The County of Krigsvold draws its name and heraldic inspiration from a poignant figure in Antarctic exploration history. The Krigsvold Nunataks were named in honor of Sgt. Alvin I. Krigsvold, a member of the United States Army. In 1956, Sgt. Krigsvold played a crucial role in the Army-Navy Trail Party that established a trail from Little America V to Byrd Station, a feat of endurance and bravery that facilitated subsequent scientific and exploratory work in Antarctica.
The name “Krigsvold,” which can be interpreted from German or Norwegian as “war violence” or more poetically as “bastion of war,” reflects the harsh and challenging conditions of Antarctica that Sgt. Krigsvold and his team had to overcome. This historical backdrop informs the symbolic elements of the Krigsvold coat of arms, emphasizing themes of protection, resilience, and vigilance.
The arms of the County of Krigsvold are designed to symbolize the protective and enduring spirit of its namesake, infused with elements that reflect both the Antarctic environment and the historical narrative:
Azure, a snowflake Argent, on a chief engrailed of the same. Crest–A castle Eisenfarb. Supporters–On either side, a penguin Proper, each with the inner wing extended supporting the shield, and crowned with an eastern crown Or, standing upon a compartment of snow-covered rocks. Motto–Dies müssen wir schützen, German for “This we must protect.”
The arms of the County of Krigsvold are a contemporary creation that draws deeply from historical and environmental themes. By incorporating elements like the snowflake, castle, and penguins, the coat of arms creates a bridge between the past deeds of explorers like Sgt. Krigsvold and the ongoing mission to protect and study the Antarctic region.
The use of traditional heraldic symbolism to convey modern values of conservation and memory demonstrates the dynamic nature of heraldry as a form of cultural expression that honors heritage while addressing contemporary concerns.
Arms of the Barony of Matikonis
The Barony of Matikonis is named in honor of William P. Matikonis, a dedicated Damage Controlman aboard the USS Glacier during the significant 1961-62 Antarctic expedition. His role was pivotal in supporting the logistical and operational needs that facilitated extensive research and exploration in Antarctica. This connection to Antarctic exploration and support staff underpins the heraldic symbols of the Barony of Matikonis.
The coat of arms of the Barony of Matikonis incorporates elements that reflect both the Antarctic legacy and the Lithuanian heritage of the namesake:
Per pale Gules and Vert, an oak tree Counterchanged fructed Or. Crest: Arising from an eastern crown, an oak sprig Proper fructed Or. Supporters–At dexter, a sea-unicorn Gules; at sinister, a sea-unicorn Vert; both rampant, scaled and armed Argent, horned and crined Or, gorged with an eastern crown Or, standing upon a compartment of snow-covered rocks. Motto–Amžinai budėkime, Lithuanian for “Let us stand guard forever.”
The heraldic elements chosen for the Barony of Matikonis intertwine the personal history of William P. Matikonis with broader themes of heritage and duty. The oak tree, a national symbol of strength in Lithuania, underscores the resilience required in Antarctic conditions and serves as a metaphor for the steadfast support staff who enable exploration and scientific achievements.
The use of mythical sea-unicorns as supporters adds a layer of narrative about the mysteries and wonders of the Antarctic, often perceived as a remote and mythical place itself. These elements together create a coat of arms that is rich in symbolism and narrative depth, celebrating the spirit of exploration and the cultural heritage of the barony’s namesake.
Arms of the Count of Krigsvold
The heraldic achievement used in the capacity of Dr. Howard as the Count of Krigsvold and Baron of Matikonis represents a sophisticated integration of his territorial responsibilities and noble titles. These arms of dominion symbolically narrate his stewardship over these regions and his commitment to their ideals and protection.
The official arms are described as follows:
Quarterly; 1st and 4th, KRIGSVOLD; 2nd and 3rd MATIKONIS; overall, an inescutcheon of HOWARD. Crest–A castle Eisenfarb. Supporters–On either side, a penguin Proper, each with the inner wing extended supporting the shield, and crowned with an eastern crown Or, standing upon a compartment of snow-covered rocks. Motto–Dies müssen wir schützen, German for “This we must protect.” Orders–Knight of the Snowflake.
The inclusion of the Order of the Snowflake acknowledges Dr. Howard’s distinguished contributions to Antarctic exploration and conservation, further aligning the arms with his environmental advocacy and leadership in the region.
As arms of dominion, this heraldic composition does more than symbolize personal achievement; it officially denotes Dr. Howard’s authority and responsibilities as the Count of Krigsvold and Baron of Matikonis. This layered heraldic identity blends historical symbolism with modern environmental values, encapsulating a noble commitment to governance, protection, and environmental stewardship across the territories.
The heraldic arms described here are prominently featured on the front page of this website, serving as a symbolic gateway to the territories and responsibilities of the Count of Krigsvold and the Baron of Matikonis. Visitors to the site are welcomed with these heraldic symbols, which encapsulate the spirit of leadership and dedication inherent to the roles of the Count and Baron, providing a fitting introduction to the values and initiatives detailed within these pages.