In relation to art, glyph refers to a symbolic figure, often engraved or carved. It is typically pictograph or hieroglyph. Example: Olmec and Mayan art of Pre-Columbian Mexico and a plaque that has an engraved glyphic inscription, Mexico: state of Guerrero, Ahuelican, Highland Olmec, Middle Formative period, 900-500 BCE, greenstone, 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/4 inches, Dallas Museum of Art.