Pictographic Collection

Egyptian and Assyrian counting systems. Early methods of number counting involved the use of fingers, while early written records used strokes to indicate numbers

Pages from a Naxi manuscript
5305299 Pages from a Naxi manuscript.; (add.info.: Pages from a Naxi manuscript. The manuscript shows both Naxi and Dongba syllabic geba. From southwestern China)

Early Pictographic cuneiform tablet, Mesopotamia, Uruk, c. 3100-2900 BC (clay)
3288525 Early Pictographic cuneiform tablet, Mesopotamia, Uruk, c.3100-2900 BC (clay) by Mesopotamian; (add.info.: Text deals with administrative accounts concerning grain distribution)

Four seals depicting mythological animals, from Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Valley, Pakistan
EAM162902 Four seals depicting mythological animals, from Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Valley, Pakistan, 3000-1500 BC (stone) by Harappan; National Museum of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; Pakistani

Disc of Phaestos, 1700-1600 BC (fired clay)
JB331155 Disc of Phaestos, 1700-1600 BC (fired clay) by Minoan; d:10.8 cm; Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; eJohn Bethell; out of copyright

Seal depicting a mythological animal, from Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Valley, Pakistan
EAM225217 Seal depicting a mythological animal, from Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Valley, Pakistan, 3000-1500 BC (stone) (detail of 162902) by Harappan; National Museum of Karachi, Karachi

The Phaistos Disc, with symbols of unknown significance, from Crete, c
XIR106117 The Phaistos Disc, with symbols of unknown significance, from Crete, c.1650 BC (clay) (for other side see 106116) by Minoan; diameter: 16 cm; Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete

Two seals depicting mythological animals, from Mohenjo-Daro, c. 2300 BC (stone)
EAM157935 Two seals depicting mythological animals, from Mohenjo-Daro, c.2300 BC (stone) by Harappan; National Museum of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; Pakistani, out of copyright

Mexican pictorial writing. From The National Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, published c. 1890
Mexican pictorial writing. From The National Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, published c.1890

Walliss New Game of Wanderers in the Wilderness, board game, published by Edward Wallis, c
XCF291082 Walliss New Game of Wanderers in the Wilderness, board game, published by Edward Wallis, c.1844 (hand-coloured aquatint on board) by English School

Cuneiform clay tablets
3 Cuneiform clay tablets with economic text circa 2000 BCE

pictographic clay tablets
3 pictographic clay tablets with administrative text Uruk Period circa 3000 BCE (private collection)

Clay brick with Cuneiform inscription
Fragmentary clay brick with Cuneiform inscription. 2nd Millennium BCE

Clay nails C016 / 4535
Clay nails inscribed with cuneiform script. Clay nails were inscribed with dedicatory text and and embedded into the wall of a building

Pictograph of walking figures
Pictograph of walking human figures and cattle on a cave wall in the Acacus region of Libya, approximately 9, 000 years old

Pictograph of humans and animals, Libya
Pictographic frieze of humans and animals in the Tin Lebbo area of Wadi Tashwinat, south west Libya made around 9, 000 years ago

USA, Utah, Pictograph Hand-prints on sandstone, Ancient Puebloans, Canyonlands National Park, Meander Canyon, Colorado River

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"Pictographic: Unveiling Ancient Scripts and Symbols" Step into the world of ancient civilizations as we explore the fascinating realm communication. From Egyptian and Assyrian counting systems to early Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets, these artifacts provide a glimpse into humanity's earliest attempts at written expression. One such relic is an Early Pictographic cuneiform tablet from Uruk, Mesopotamia, dating back to 3100-2900 BC. Crafted from clay, it bears intricate symbols that were once used for recording information or telling stories. Traveling further east, we encounter four seals depicting mythological animals discovered in Mohenjo-Daro, Indus Valley, Pakistan. These intricately carved stones offer insights into the beliefs and myths of this ancient civilization. A mysterious artifact known as the Disc of Phaestos captures our attention next. Created around 1700-1600 BC using fired clay, its symbols remain shrouded in mystery even today – their significance lost through time. Continuing our journey through time and space, another seal depicting a mythological creature emerges from Mohenjo-Daro in the Indus Valley. This small but exquisite piece showcases the artistic prowess prevalent during this period. The enigmatic Phaistos Disc takes center stage next; adorned with unknown symbols found on Crete around 1700 BC. Scholars have tirelessly studied this disc for centuries yet failed to decipher its meaning entirely. Returning to Mohenjo-Daro once more brings us two more seals featuring captivating mythical creatures etched onto stone around 2300 BC. These masterpieces highlight not only artistic talent but also shed light on cultural narratives passed down generations ago. Venturing across continents now leads us to Mexican pictorial writing documented in The National Encyclopaedia published circa 1890. This visual form of communication provides valuable insight into Mesoamerican cultures' rich history and traditions.