"Prehistoric Stamps: Theory and Experiments" Edited by Dragos Gheorghiu and Robert Skeates, University of Bucharest 2008

Stamps, as a means of making an impression, are a widely used yet little regarded domestic, practical and potentially symbolic tool, a point made by Robert Skeates in his introduction to this short, yet fascinating book.
Focusing on the Southern Balkans, Goce Naumov presents a variety of observations in the context of the Neolithic, for example, the emergence of stamps in the pre-ceramic neolithic, their uniformity throughout the period and, rather tantalisingly to the British rock art enthusiast, the relationship between stamp motif and linear and spiral art.
Naumov neatly describes and illustrates stamps geographically. In a single short chapter, the author covers much ground exploring the stamp in practical, symbolic and cognitive contexts aspects that in Britain we tend to observe in monumentality.
Gheorgiou applies a practical experimental archaeology to consider the viability of stamps for impressing food and textiles, and explores the potential of pyroexperimentation including, rather eye wateringly, thermal tattoos.
The publication would have been enriched by colour images of some of the many stamps illustrated and scales on the drawings would have been useful, but despite these minor aesthetic shortcomings Prehistoric Stamps is an excellent introduction to a little studied topic in Britain.
These intriguing little objects will inevitably provoke much thought to those interested in the Neolithic and will undoubtedly inspire further research.

Reviewed by John Swann