Most of the symbols in the seal were described in records found in the City Archives; the intent of the remaining symbols remain undocumented. The female figure in the center of the seal represents Commerce, while the sheaf of grain, cogwheel, and sledgehammer symbolize the origins of the city, its culture, agrarian base, and industry. Raymond Kaskey's 1985 sculpture, Portlandia, was based on the figure of Lady Commerce from the Portland City Seal.