Compartment

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In heraldry, a compartment is a design placed under the shield, usually rocks, a grassy mount, or some sort of other landscape upon which the supporters are depicted as standing (a compartment without supporters is possible but all but unknown). It is sometimes said to represent the land held by the bearer. As an official part of the blazon it is a comparatively late feature of heraldry, often derived from the need to have different supporters for different families or entities, although sometimes the compartment is treated in the blazon separately from the supporters.

Usually when arms are augmented by supporters, a compartment will be added too. In rare cases, a compartment might be granted as an augmentation.

Though usually some kind of landscape or seascape, there are some unusual compartments. The chief of Clan Donnachaidh has a main in chains as a compartment. The arms of Gisborne, New Zealand contain another unique compartment.

See also

Shield -- Crest -- Mantling -- Supporters -- Motto