Adopted thirteen years after the country gained independence, it has been the seal of the Republic of Mali since 1973.

[3] It is utilized on official documents in place of a coat of arms, a heraldic device that the country has never adopted.

Although the 1973 ordinance gives the description that it is a "legendary vulture" originating from Malian folklore,[2][3] other sources claim it is actually a dove that symbolizes peace.

[8][9] The Djenné mosque is flanked by two bows and arrows, with the rising sun pictured at the very bottom.

[2][6] The country's motto—"One People, One Goal, One Faith" (French: Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi)—is exactly the same as Senegal's.