The design by King Sobhuza II features a black and white shield, with a staff and two spears, on a field of blue, yellow, and red horizontal bands.

[3][1] The central focus of the flag is a Nguni shield and two spears, symbolising protection from the country's enemies.

Its colour is meant to show that white and black people live in peaceful coexistence in Eswatini.

On the red stripe is an ox hide combat shield from the traditional Swazi Emabutfo Regiment, laid horizontally.

The shield is reinforced by a staff from which hangs injobo tassels — bunches of feathers of the widowbird and the lourie, which are only used by the king - and two assegais above it.