Our Long Relationship with Symbols & Icons

I have always had a fascination with symbolism and the the origins of many symbols and icons we use everyday. In this symbolism catagory of my blog I will post about the history of different symbols & icons we use today. If you find this topic interesting and have a symbol or icon you would recommend I post about please let me know and make a request below and thanks for your time hope that you enjoy this catagory.

The Beginning of Recorded Human Symbolism

There is proof of symbols being used over 100,000 years ago in Africa, with the earliest evidence including engraved ochre and ostrich eggshells found in places like Blombos Cave and Diepkloof Rock Shelter. These simple, early geometric patterns evolved into more complex, symbolic representations of ideas, used by early humans for communication and record-keeping. 

Key Stages in the Development of Symbols:

• Prehistoric Africa (~100,000–50,000 years ago): The earliest engravings, such as lines and geometric patterns on rock or ochre, suggest symbolic thinking emerged here first.
• Ice Age Europe (~40,000–30,000 years ago): Early humans created cave paintings and 32 specific geometric signs (dots, lines, hashes) across Europe, which may have served as a form of non-verbal, early communication.
• Mesopotamia (~7500 BCE): The earliest, more complex record-keeping used clay tokens to track goods, representing a step toward written language.
• Ancient Civilizations (~3200 BCE): Egyptians (hieroglyphics) and others began developing formal, standardized writing systems and symbols for recording, art, and administrative purposes. 

These early, often geometric, symbols were used by early humans for, among other things, marking, identifying, and communicating ideas across distances and generations. With rich history, wisdom, and hidden meanings, ancient symbols transcend mere imagery, encapsulating profound significance and cultural heritage. Each symbol, steeped in tradition and lore tells a story, offering insight into the beliefs, values, and experiences of past civilizations.