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A lot of the signs can be seen as symbols that are easy to draw with the hands. For example, there's the 5-dots and 6-dots symbols. Those are: "every finger of
by anateus 9y ago
A lot of the signs can be seen as symbols that are easy to draw with the hands. For example, there's the 5-dots and 6-dots symbols. Those are: "every finger of one hand" and "three fingers from each hand". The brush shapes are "bring all fingers together". There may very well be a communicative aspect to the symbols, but I think they were derived from decorative primitives that are kinesiologically-determined.
- mirimir 9y agoThat would help account for consistency over place and time. But meaning? I'm guessing something like "# was here".
- tritium 9y agoPossibly ad-hoc way finding, and reference points when lost, to help detect if you're going in circles, or if a change of direction is necessary. If there are N number of confusing junctions, it would require the same number of markings as a unique mnemonic device to register the steps to escape the confusing area, and jog one's memory of how directions were negotiated the last time.
- sbmassey 9y agoOr perhaps locations of good sources of food, shelter and so forth
- kthejoker2 9y agoAncient hobo signs makes a lot of sense, wonder which one says "Tell pitiful story for food."