In/Significant

The word “signature” comes from the Latin word meaning to sign, seal, or mark. Signing your name is routine, yet it is also unique and powerful. A signed name can grant permission, determine ownership, acknowledge, and accept. Signatures can guarantee authenticity or legitimize a deal. A signature can change lives—and the course of history.

In the past, even having a signature was a form of privilege, reflecting the social power that those who were taught to write could wield. Not being allowed or able to sign your name marked the absence of power.

The Weight of a Name

Personal signatures date back to ancient times, as early as 9,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Back then, everyone from royals to enslaved peoples used “seals,” stamps that make intricate impressions in wax or clay to leave a personal mark on correspondence or business transactions. Later, Romans had personally-designed rings used to seal documents. The Greeks, Romans, and medieval church officials also signed their names to validate and authenticate certain documents - just as we do today.

Marking Power

In the past, not everyone had a signature. Learning to read did not always mean that one was taught to write – which was a process that involved fashioning quills and mixing ink. People who did not have the training or were not allowed to write would often sign a document with a personal mark. A thought to consider: if you could not read or write, then how did you know what you agreed to by signing your mark?