Saudi Arabia: Before the Electronic Signature: "
Back in the older days in Saudi Arabia “signature stamps” were quite popular. Many Saudi men would have their own signature stamp which they could use anytime to affix their signature on documents. These signature stamps can be compared in some ways to today’s electronic signature.
However what I find of greatest interest, rather than what the signature stamps are is why they were used. There were a number of Saudis who did not know how to read or even write. Therefore they would go to a shop which made the signature stamps, tell the shopkeeper their name and in turn the shopkeeper would make them a stamp with their name. Then whenever they needed to sign, they used the stamp with their name rather than simply affix an “X.”
Today most Saudis do know how to write their names so one will see less use of the old-time signature stamps. As a result, signature stamps can now be found for sale in various souks around Saudi Arabia. They can make an interesting keepsake of a time gone by and a unique memento of ones time in Saudi Arabia.
The photos included with this post are thanks to Ken, a follower of American Bedu, who brought the signature stamps to my attention.
Posted in culture, Saudi Arabia, Saudi blogs, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, Saudi education, Saudi Living, travel, Uncategorized Tagged: blogging, culture, culture shock, customs, heritage, history, KSA, places, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel
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