Ancient Trade Symbols on Cylinder Seals: Key to Proto-Cuneiform and the Roots of Writing

Researchers studying the roots of writing have highlighted the role of ancient trade symbols found on Mesopotamian cylinder seals as key influences in the development of early writing. A recent study by Catherine Kelly and Mattia Catorano of the University of Bologna suggests that the carvings on these cylindrical seals (used to mark clay in trade exchanges) may have evolved into the earliest forms of writing (known as Symbols used in proto-cuneiform). The seals date back to around 4400 BC, and their patterns are associated with the movement of goods such as textiles and jars, suggesting that the origins of written symbols were based on trade.

From trademarks to proto-cuneiform

Research suggests that impressions left by rolled cylinder seals on clay tablets may have authenticated transactions, laying the foundation for a system of recording information. The seals examined included symbols that predate formal writing by more than a thousand years. These patterns – such as those depicting structures or ships – likely formed the basis of proto-cuneiform symbols used in early Mesopotamian cities such as Uruk around 3100 BC. May represent a bridge between symbolic trade records and the more formal proto-cuneiform writing, marking a significant cognitive shift from images to systematic writing.

Sumerian cuneiform link

Developed by the Sumerians, cuneiform is widely considered the world’s first known writing system. The system was created by carving wedge shapes into clay with a stylus and later evolved into recording spoken language. Later adopted by the Akkadians and maintained for nearly two thousand years, cuneiform was used throughout the Mesopotamian empire from the Babylonians to the Assyrians, creating a lasting legacy.

Different academic perspectives on the origins of symbolism

The findings of the study were met with support and skepticism. Holly Pittman of the University of Pennsylvania points out that similar ideas she proposed in the past were dismissed, but now they have been verified by this study. Anthropologist Gordon Whittaker of the University of Göttingen remains cautious, noting that the association between seal patterns and written symbols may lack a clear cause-and-effect relationship.

The researchers hope their findings will further help decode primitive cuneiform and deepen understanding of the transition from trade symbols to structured writing – a milestone in the development of human communication.