The national emblem of Djibouti was introduced after attaining independence from France on 27 June 1977. It is bordered on the sides with laurel branches. Within this perimeter there is a vertical spear, in front of which is a shield. Underneath the shield, two hands rise away from the spear, both of which carry a large machete. These two hands symbolize the main two ethnic groups of the nation: the Afar and the Issa. The spear is topped by a red star.The star symbolizes the unity between the Issa and the Afar peoples.