From Single Sign to Pseudo-Script
Subtitle: An Ancient Egyptian System of Workmen's Identity Marks
Publisher: BRILL
Published: 2018
Language: eng
Number of pages: 291
ISBN-13: 9789004357532
Subjects: Signs and symbols; Writing, history; Paleography; Egyptian language, inscriptions; Egyptian language, writing, hieroglyphic
Description: Writing is not the only notation system used in literate societies. Some visual communication systems are very similar to writing, but work differently. Identity marks are typical examples of such systems, and this book presents a particularly well-documented marking system used in Pharaonic Egypt as an exemplary case. From Single Sign to Pseudo-Script is the first book to fully discuss the nature and development of an ancient marking system, its historical background, and the fascinating story of its decipherment. Chapters on similar systems in other cultures and on semiotic theory help to distinguish between unique and universal features. Written by Egyptologist Ben Haring, the book addresses scholars interested in marking systems, writing, literacy, and the semiotics of visual communication.