However, it is not
limited to particular detail and hence can be variable, also in size and colour,
as can be seen in the differnt pictures.
The
face on the shield
is separately referred
to as
Jaturamuk.
flag with seal of the Royal Thai Police
flag with seal of the Royal Thai Police
In the
past a similar
kala
(fig.)
or
kirtimukha-like
face (fig.)
was carved
on the four porticos of a
prasat hin,
in the flour cardinal directions,
with the belief that it protected the palace against evil entering from
either direction (fig.).
Though the
sword and shield
seal was only designed in 1897 by Prince
Momchao
Prawich Chumsai, the
Jaturamuk or yak-like face can already be seen on the
shield of security officers during
the
Ayutthaya
Period, i.e. between 1350 and 1767 (fig.).