The origin of branding: the history of the big brands

The origin of branding started as soon as that first Stone Age human pounded out that first stone tool, he or she expected recognition.

“I made this!” It’s a human condition that we like making things, and when we do, we want others to know who made it.

Branding began as a simple application of a symbol or mark on a piece of pottery or brick. This wasn’t simply a way to graffiti a name on the bottom of a vase it was a way to identify who made it and where he or she lived. The government, commerce, and religion used symbols and images to communicate a message. The “Ichthus” symbol, resembling a fish, identified the early Christian church. Jewish communities used the Star of David as a symbol while Muslims adopted the color turquoise as an identifier. By the 18th century, high-end porcelain makers added a proprietary mark to their pottery. This increased the value and legitimacy of the object. Out west, ranchers used a hot brand to mark their cattle, hence the term “branding.” By the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing and mass production changed the economy. Branding managed the job of identifying one teapot from another of lesser quality, and just like that bowl in Ancient Rome, if I liked it, I’d look for the same brand again.