If a restricted definition of script is accepted, A-literate media include a variety of devices belonging to different classes of artefacts: non alphabetic signs incised/impressed/painted on pottery and stone objects, tokens, seals and stamped objects. They form connected, but not coinciding, sets which were mainly used in administrative circles. Our survey will focus on two case studies, represented by the Bronze Age sites of Phaistos and Ayia Triada in Crete, from where linear A documents also derive. These sites are ideal for forming comparisons between literate and a-literate media in the same context. The analysis of potters’ and masons’ marks, tokens and stamped objects reveals that the counting tools appeared as early as EMII, were used along with literate media during the palatial periods, and disappeared after the destruction of the second palaces. It is therefore possible to compare the difference between the use of non literate media in non-literate and literate societies, and demonstrate the influence writing can have in the development of those devices through the conscious or unconscious emulation of the official script.

Management, power and non-literate communication in Prepalatial and Palatial Messara

P. Militello
2017-01-01

Abstract

If a restricted definition of script is accepted, A-literate media include a variety of devices belonging to different classes of artefacts: non alphabetic signs incised/impressed/painted on pottery and stone objects, tokens, seals and stamped objects. They form connected, but not coinciding, sets which were mainly used in administrative circles. Our survey will focus on two case studies, represented by the Bronze Age sites of Phaistos and Ayia Triada in Crete, from where linear A documents also derive. These sites are ideal for forming comparisons between literate and a-literate media in the same context. The analysis of potters’ and masons’ marks, tokens and stamped objects reveals that the counting tools appeared as early as EMII, were used along with literate media during the palatial periods, and disappeared after the destruction of the second palaces. It is therefore possible to compare the difference between the use of non literate media in non-literate and literate societies, and demonstrate the influence writing can have in the development of those devices through the conscious or unconscious emulation of the official script.
2017
978-88-6453-636-1
Script, tokens, Prehistory, Minoan, Crete
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/321701
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