Pictogram

War Paint on Iowa Warrior

Pictogram - Picture symbols used by Native American Indians


Pictogram. Discover facts and information about the culture of Native American Indians and their use of the Pictogram to convey information and meanings

Gain an understanding of the use of the pictogram signs and symbols used by Native American Indian tribes.

Definition and authentic examples of the type of Pictogram used by Native American Indian Indians

Native American Symbols
Native Indian Art
Native Indian Tribes Index

Pictogram
What is a Pictogram? Definition: A Pictogram conveys a story and meaning through pictures, signs and symbols that signify and resemble the shapes of physical objects or people. An Ideagram is another form of pictogram which conveys more complex ideas, feelings and emotions. A pictogram is a therefore a form of writing which uses drawings to tell a story. A pictogram was not an exact record and often only understood as a memory help to those who knew the original story and understood the meanings of the symbols that had been used.

Materials used for a Pictogram
The pictogram was used in many different guises. Pictograms conveyed their ideas in basic pictures of visible objects on various forms such as on their war paint, weapons, the bark of trees and the skins of animals which they made into their clothes and tepees. They were also used on grave posts and in ledger books. The following authentic pictogram is taken from a Pawnee robe. The pictogram is interesting as it not only depicts a Pawnee battle but also clearly shows symbols (War Paint) on the horses, the heartline of animals, sun, stars and moon symbols and a small pictogram or drawing of a family and a Twins Symbol.

Pictogram taken from a Pawnee robe  

Pictogram taken from a Pawnee robe

Pictogram - Picture Dictionary of Symbols and Signs
The meanings of signs and the types of symbols used by Native American Indians are fully illustrated and can be accessed via the Picture Dictionary of Symbols. The symbols dictionary provides information and origin of many symbols and includes reference to Native American legends and the mythology of the ancient Mound Builders and the fantastic creatures and monsters that feature in their culture.

Use of the Pictogram - Children and Kids
Many elements of a pictogram are elemental, basic and logical and provide the means to convey a story and ideas without writing. Because they are so visual children and kids can emulate the concept and language of a pictogram to tell their own stories.  The images used in the Picture Dictionary of symbols and signs can be used as a fun basis to illustrate stories and ideas by modern children and kids, whilst learning about the heritage and culture of Native Americans.

Examples of the Pictogram
The following example of a pictogram shows a birch bark drawing. The symbols on the pictogram drawing are fully described via the article on the Camp Fire Symbol. The pictogram depicts shows a drawing made in 1875 by two Indian guides on a piece of birch bark. The drawing, or pictogram, was used as a method of communication. The birch bark pictogram was placed upon an upright pole, for the purpose of informing their Indian companions that a party of 14 white men and 2 Indians had encamped at that place. The picture of the bird in the top of the picture is believed to be a depiction of the Thunderbird. The turtle or tortoise might also have been eaten by the party or might represent a totem, or armorial badge. The article relating to the Scalp Symbol pictogram provides an example of the Delaware Tribe using picture writing to describe a battle and the number killed, or scalps taken.

Camp Fire SymbolPicture Writing
Native American Indian Birch Bark Pictogram drawing

Native American Pictogram
The following example of an authentic Native American pictogram shows drawings of a variety of signs and symbols used to depict events, the passing of time and a whole host of bird and animal symbols including the bear, deer, Gila monster, snake and buffalo

Native American Picture Drawing
Example of Native American Pictogram
Native American Pictogram - Henry Longfellow
The famous epic poem by Henry Longfellow called “The Song of Hiawatha” was based on the hero Hiawatha who established the Iroquois Confederacy. Henry Longfellow was deeply interested in pictograms and pictography, and gave a brief example and description of nine common symbols used in pictograms in the following verse from Hiawatha.
For the earth he drew a straight line,
For the sky a bow above it;
White the space between for day-time,
Filled with little stars for night-time;
On the left a point for sunrise,
On the right a point for sunset,
On the top a point for noontide,
And for rain and cloudy weather
Waving lines descending from it.

Pictogram

  • Interpretation of Native American Pictogram Symbols and Signs
  • Meaning, symbolism and the Pictogram
  • Interpretation of Symbols and Native American drawings, icons, and motifs
  • Definition of Pictogram
  • Examples of a Pictogram
  • Native American Indian Pictogram
  • Signs and Symbols and the Pictogram

Pictures and Videos of Native Americans
Discover the vast selection of pictures which relate to the History of Native Americans and illustrate many decorations and tattoos used by American Indians. The pictures show the clothing, tattoos, war paint, weapons and decorations of various Native Indian tribes that can be used as a really useful educational history resource for kids and children of all ages and a means to study their interpretation. We have included pictures to accompany the main topic of this section - Interpretation of Symbol. The videos enable fast access to the images, paintings and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles, such as the Pictogram, can be accessed via the Native Indian Tribes Index.

Pictogram - Interpretation - Indian - Meaning - Sign - Pictogram - Meanings - Info - Symbols and Meanings - Indian - Ideas - Indian - Information - Motifs - Icons - Tribal - Tribes - Pictogram - Interpretation - Traditional - Pictogram - Interpretation - Interpretation - Indian - Interpretation of Symbol - Meaning - Symbol and Meanings - Interpretation - Info - Information - Sign - Pictures - Symbols and Meanings - Icons - Interpretation - Tribal - Tribes - Pictogram - History - Indian - Ideas - Paintings - Images - Pictogram - Written By Linda Alchin

ⓒ 2017 Siteseen LimitedFirst Published Cookies PolicyAuthor
Updated 2018-01-16Publisher Siteseen Limited Privacy Statement