from pictograph to early word

pictographs evolve into words through a slow process of picture/idea selection. 

pictographs are basically drawings that represent a physical object and are used to communicate ideas. they originated in around 9,000 BC in cultures everywhere, including ancient civilizations like mesopotamia and ancient egypt.

pictographs, ancient egypt

 

mayan script

look at the evolution in time of the script for the word "head."

steps 1-7 comprise 2,000 years!