Origin of Writing Token Theory

• Denise Schmandt Besserat theory of the origin of writing in Mesopotamia

• • Small ceramic tokens used as accounting bill of lading indicators
  • Then enclosed in a ceramic “envelope” (called a bulla)
  • • What’s in the bulla? You have to break it to find out!
  • Then impressed onto the outside of the envelope to indicate its contents
  • Then a tablet with token impressions replaced the ceramic envelope