We know of three stages in the evolution of the coat of arms of the Council of Lesaka since the XIV century. The first municipal stamp appears on a document from 1373. It bears an animal, probably a wolf, in the middle. The edge of the coat of arms is componé, i.e. formed alternately by a succession of small squares.

By the mid-XVI century, the Council was using a more complex coat of arms; a coat of arms common to Bortziriak and also used by the municipalities of Arantza, Bera, Etxalar and Igantzi. The image reproduced here is from the Book of Arms of Navarra, which dates from approximately 1572. As you can see, two of the quarters include the mediaeval symbol (to which another wolf has been added) and the componé edge has been painted in azure and gules (blue and red). The other two quarters repeat a spear or harpoon head.

Finally, the current blazon appears in the certification of arms of 1735. The first quarter is based on the previous arms. Another reproduces the chains of Navarra and the other two (the cross on a cloud and two clogs beside an oak tree) are of a mythological nature and refer to a battle which took place in 714 and the relationship between the locals and King Sancho Abarca (Clog).

FLAG

The flag is based on the old military flags which bore a red cross of St Andrew on a white background.

The flag of Lesaka plays an important part in civil and religious festivities. A councillor armed with a halberd dating from 1681 carries it in processions.

It should be remembered that for centuries, municipalities had their own militias made up of local residents, particularly when near to the border. These perfomed regular reviews to check their arms and revise their instruction.

Not in vain does the certification from 1735 referred to earlier indicate that since time immemorial the mayors of Bortziriak had enjoyed the "Privilege and Right to be Captains of War, Altern Aldermen with Flag and modern Sergeant Aldermen".

Andoni Esparza Leibar (Clerk to the Council).