In pre-literate times personal identity was often represented by a seal or signet that served as a signature or, more properly, surrogate for the person who owned it. In ancient Sumer it signified a bond that invoked the higher powers, calling them to witness. Today it often includes "gold" foil, a blind stamp and a wink. The road has been long and fraught with impressions.



Time has almost obscured the image on this cylinder seal from Mesopotamia, but it still conveys the impression – similar to those in the British Museum - of people sitting around drinking beer through straws. Some historians believe that the hunter-gatherers changed their wandering ways and settled down when they learned to make beer. It is amusing to wonder who, 3600 years ago, chose this image as their personal identity.