Image:Sample-national-park-service-pictographs

A pictogram or pictograph is a symbol which represents an object or concept by illustration.

Early written symbols were used by various ancient cultures in the Alps, Asia, Egypt and the Mediterranean around 5000 BC and are still in use in some non-literate cultures in Africa, the Americans and Oceania.

The letters of the Roman alphabet also have their origins in pictograms. For example, the letter A represented the head of an ox, and if turned upside down, a bovine head can be seen.

The meanings of rock art created by North American Indians are mysterious and often controversial. Some archaeologists think rock art is a type of storytelling, while others think it depicts religious or spiritual beliefs. Still others regard it as solely as an artistic expression.

Researchers have found that different cultural groups made different styles of rock art. Some analyze legends and information to draw conclusions about rock art meanings. Rock art can mean something different to each person who ponders it.

Pictograms remain in common use today, serving as signs or instructions. However even these symbols are highly culture-specific. For example, in some cultures men commonly wear dress-like clothing, so even restroom signage is not universal.

Source of Information: Wikipedia.org