A Heraldic Primer: Directions

In the world of a map there are four cardinal directions: north, east, south, and west. Similarly, the world of a shield also has four cardinal directions:

• to base (= toward the bottom point of the shield)
• to chief (= toward the top edge of the shield)
• to dexter (= toward the viewer's left)
• to sinister (= toward the viewer's right)

Those familiar with Latin or anatomy will notice that, from the viewer's point of view, dexter and sinister are backwards! The usual explanation for this is that directions are specified from the point of view of someone carrying the shield.

In addition, there are four "in-between" directions, analogous to northwest, northeast, southwest, and southeast:

• to dexter chief (or to canton)
• to sinister chief (or to sinister canton)
• to dexter base
• to sinister base

• Proceed to the next lesson:Orientations
• Return to the Table of Contents
• Return to the previous lesson:Charge on Charges

Maintained by Codex Herald (Master Maol Mhichil mac Ghiolla Pheadair, OP, ODH)