Several aspects of the quadrangular signs in the Panel of the Great Black Cow, commonly referred to as "coats of arms", set them apart from other, similarly-shaped images. Each sign consists of coloured and juxtaposed fields, square or rectangular in shape, and enclosed with a engraved line. The colours are the same as those used for the figurative representations; two of them, however, feature a mauve shade that is found nowhere else. Note also that the tail and the ends of the aurochs's hindlimbs touch the upper left corner of each of these two signs. Many attempts have been made to interpret these signs – grids, traps, tribal signs used as coats of arms – but none are completely satisfactory.