Coat of arms (stemmi)

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Coats of arms, known as stemmi in Italian, typically feature a shield-shaped design that showcases an eagle prominently situated in the center. Above this majestic bird is a portrait of a mysterious knight's head, whose identity remains unknown to this day. The origins of using these symbols date back to the 12th century, when they served as a means of easily identifying heavily armored knights during intense battles. Over time, the nobility and influential banking and merchant families adopted this practice, showcasing their family crests on the exterior walls of buildings and atop tombs as visible indicators of loyalty or affiliation. Similar stemmi can also be found adorning livery and smaller items, serving as symbols of allegiance and identity.