What shape is the central seal on Guam's flag?

The central seal on Guam’s flag is almond-shaped.

The emblem depicts a traditional proa sailing near Hagåtña Bay, with a coconut palm, coastline and the word “GUAM” in red. Its outline is not merely decorative: it recalls a sling stone used by the Chamorro people for hunting and warfare.

Guam’s flag was designed by Helen L. Paul, who created the original design in 1917. The flag was formally adopted in 1930, while its narrow red border was added in 1948 after World War II. That border commemorates bloodshed during the Japanese occupation and earlier Spanish rule.

A common mix-up is to call the seal a shield because it functions like a coat of arms. Unlike a heraldic shield, however, its almond-like form deliberately references Chamorro material culture. The seal itself was approved in 1946 and remains the flag’s central identifying feature.