Attitude (heraldry) - Positions Indicating Direction

Positions Indicating Direction

Animals and animal-like creatures are presumed to be shown in profile, facing toward dexter, unless otherwise stated in the blazon. Humans and human-like beings are presumed to be shown affronté.

  • To dexter or the viewer's left is the direction animals are presumed to face, so it is never specified, but may (rarely) be indicated of a human or human-like being.
  • To sinister or contourné is said of an animal or being that is turned to face the viewer's right.
  • Affronté is said of an animal or being that is turned to face toward the viewer. This is the presumed position of a human or human-like being, but may (rarely) be used among beasts.
  • Guardant indicates an animal with its head turned to face the viewer.
  • Regardant indicates an animal with its head turned backward, as if looking over its shoulder.

Note that the heraldic terms dexter ('right') and sinister ('left') are defined with respect to the bearer of a shield, standing behind it, rather than to the viewer.

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