The camel is a desert-dwelling beast famed for its ill temper – yet paradoxically, because it kneels to receive its load, a medieval symbol of humility as well.
The default camel is the single-humped camel, also called a “dromedary”; this is the form used in the arms of Schmotlzn, 1605 [Siebmacher 72]. If the “Bactrian camel” with two humps is intended, it must be so specified; it too is found in period armory, as the crest of Caunton, c.1528 [Woodcock & Robinson pl.13].
The camel can be shown “saddled and bridled” with tackle designed for camels; or “laden” with goods for transport. It doesn’t seem to have a default posture; the illustration shows a camel statant. See also ypotryll.
Ayesha of the Dancing Camel bears: Sable, a camel courant Or.
Arnulf of Ad Flumen Caerulum bears: Gules, a Bactrian camel passant argent crowned Or.
Jamal Damien Marcus bears as a badge: A camel couchant argent, saddled and bridled gules.
Eadweard Boise the Wright bears: Argent, a dromedary couchant contourny sable laden gules within a bordure azure.