The camel was the beast of burden used during the war of independence from Ethiopia to transport supplies and goods, and was seen as being instrumental to the movement's success by Eritrean nationalists.

The star has long been a symbol of the Italian people, known as the Stellone d'Italia, which protects and guards the nation.

The bottom portion displaying blue and white wavy bars is a common heraldic depiction representing water, and alludes to the origins of the colony's name.

[2] During the Fascist regime of Italy, which began in 1924, the arms were augmented with symbols of the new government: a red chief was added in 1936, which was charged with fasces and laurel wreath.

In 1941, when the province was conquered and placed under British administration, the fascist chief was removed and the original arms were again employed.