Brand Hype Has Existed Since the Bronze Age, Scientists Discover
The Qurayyah Painted Ware of Bronze Age Arabia had distinct visual identity, material consistency, technological continuity, and cultural reputation—all features of a commodified brand, scientists say.
Scientists have uncovered evidence of a remarkable ancient tradition involving branded pottery from the Bronze Age, demonstrating that the concept of brands has a long and storied history. The Qurayyah Painted Ware, originating from what is now Saudi Arabia, featured distinctive black-and-red geometric designs, stylized animal and human figures, and consistent production techniques.
This unique visual identity, along with centralized production, export circulation, and cultural reputation, indicates that branded commodities were being created to gain recognition among wider communities around 3,200 years ago. The researchers suggest that this early branding strategy, based on visual identity and material consistency, offers the first investigation into the dynamics leading to the genesis of a brand.
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