Traditional Marking Systems: A Preliminary Survey

Marks are everywhere. On boundary stones they delineate borders and proclaim property ownership. In the form of seals they communicate identity and state authority. Hallmarks and trademarks denote quality and origin. Heraldic devices are used for military organization and to indicate family and clan affiliation. Corporate brand insignia are intended to evoke emotional and experiential associations to stimulate transactions. The scientific study of marks is not a recent or isolated trend, as demonstrated by the studies of traditional marking systems collected in this volume. Nevertheless, mark studies have not yet attained full recognition as a legitimate field of inquiry, while much of the valuable research being conducted proceeds in relative isolation. This collection of research takes us a step forward in addressing the absence of a broad view across disciplines, and provides a preliminary basis for the sharing of information among scholars working around the world.