Behind the shield there are two crossed weapons, an assegai (lance) and a knobkierie (club).

In the foreground there is a ribbon with the national motto of Lesotho: Khotso, Pula, Nala (Sesotho, to English: Peace, Rain, Prosperity).

The crocodile on the shield has been retained from the arms of Basutoland, the predecessor to Lesotho.

The colony of Basutoland was granted a coat of arms on 20 March 1951.

These arms depicted a crocodile and featured the motto KHOTSO KE NALA (Peace is Prosperity).