Academy of Saint Gabriel Report 560

This report is available at http://www.s-gabriel.org/560

Some of the Academy's early reports contain errors that we haven't yet corrected. Please use it with caution.

Greetings from the Academy of Saint Gabriel.

You asked how to describe a peacock with the tail folded down and swept under the feet. You also asked about suggestions for arms.

In the SCA, the description for the position you describe is "a peacock pavonated." However, this is true ONLY of SCA heraldry; outside the SCA the term "pavonated" means "colored like a peacock."

In period, the usual position for a peacock is "in his pride", e.g. facing front with his tail displayed. We found one example of a peacock "close," e.g. standing in profile with his tail closed. We were unable to locate any examples of a peacock in the position you described.

Heraldry was not used in Russia or Ukrania in the 14th century. This means that there are no arms that are appropriate to your persona.

However, for most other parts of Europe at that time, the following arms would be appropriate, and should be clear of SCA conflict:

(Azure, Gules, or Sable), six peacocks in their pride, 3, 2, and 1
Gules, a peacock in its pride argent

Some possible, but less likely arms are as follows:

(Azure, Gules, or Sable), six peacocks close, 3, 2, and 1
(Azure, Gules, or Sable), three peacocks in their pride argent

Alison Macdermot, Talan Gwynek, Rouland Carre, madawc , Daniel de Lincoln, and Arval d'Espas Nord helped write this letter.

We hope this has been helpful. If we can be of further assistance,please let us know.

Yours in service,
Margaret Makafee
Academy of Saint Gabriel