Applying Semiotics to Linear A: What Syntagmatic Comparison Reveals About an Inscribed Minoan Ladle
Major
Greek and Roman Studies
Submission Type
Oral Presentation
Area of Study or Work
Greek and Roman Studies, History
Expected Graduation Date
2023
Location
CNS E102 1.2 Making Meaning: Decoding Inscriptions, Literary Echoes, and Eco-Cinema
Start Date
4-15-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
4-15-2023 10:00 AM
Abstract
Although the Minoan writing system Linear A, in use from 1800-1450 BCE, remains undeciphered, syntagmatic comparison can provide insight into the function and meaning of Linear A texts. Syntagmatic comparison of the terms on a ladle found at the archeological site of Troullos on Crete reveals the probable function of the ladle for pouring libations, the possible religious connotations of its inscription, and supports current theories that said inscription might be a dedication. Syntagmatic comparison, as outlined by French semiologist Roland Barthes, compares the associations of each term in an inscription, determined by examining what type of object each term frequently appears on. In doing so, the comparison reveals the connotations of the inscription as a whole. Terms appearing on the Troullos ladle all appear on Minoan libation tables, and several appear on similar objects to each other such as storage jars and statue bases. These similarities indicate that the inscription is strongly connected to libation pouring, which commonly occurred at religious peak sanctuaries and was likely a religious activity. Today very little is known about the Minoan civilization and how Linear A was used. In comparison, the mainland Mycenaean civilization is much better understood, in large part thanks to the translation of Linear B. Linear B is a script adapted from Linear A and used by the Mycenaeans to transcribe Mycenaean Greek. The two scripts are visually and structurally similar, both employing syllabic and logographic (simple pictures used to represent words instead of sounds) characters. Despite these similarities, Linear A remains undeciphered due to the lack of available texts (only about 1500), and no known modern languages related to the Minoan language Linear A transcribes. The translation of Linear B in the 1952 has proven essential to current knowledge of the Mycenaeans, giving us access to their administrative documents and as a result insight into what civilizations they were in contact with and their political and economic structures. Translating Linear A poses a similar and even greater benefit as the Linear A script appears on both administrative and nonadministrative documents. While translation of Linear A is still years away, applying this method of syntagmatic comparison can provide similar benefits for understanding Minoan social, political, and religious life.
Applying Semiotics to Linear A: What Syntagmatic Comparison Reveals About an Inscribed Minoan Ladle
CNS E102 1.2 Making Meaning: Decoding Inscriptions, Literary Echoes, and Eco-Cinema
Although the Minoan writing system Linear A, in use from 1800-1450 BCE, remains undeciphered, syntagmatic comparison can provide insight into the function and meaning of Linear A texts. Syntagmatic comparison of the terms on a ladle found at the archeological site of Troullos on Crete reveals the probable function of the ladle for pouring libations, the possible religious connotations of its inscription, and supports current theories that said inscription might be a dedication. Syntagmatic comparison, as outlined by French semiologist Roland Barthes, compares the associations of each term in an inscription, determined by examining what type of object each term frequently appears on. In doing so, the comparison reveals the connotations of the inscription as a whole. Terms appearing on the Troullos ladle all appear on Minoan libation tables, and several appear on similar objects to each other such as storage jars and statue bases. These similarities indicate that the inscription is strongly connected to libation pouring, which commonly occurred at religious peak sanctuaries and was likely a religious activity. Today very little is known about the Minoan civilization and how Linear A was used. In comparison, the mainland Mycenaean civilization is much better understood, in large part thanks to the translation of Linear B. Linear B is a script adapted from Linear A and used by the Mycenaeans to transcribe Mycenaean Greek. The two scripts are visually and structurally similar, both employing syllabic and logographic (simple pictures used to represent words instead of sounds) characters. Despite these similarities, Linear A remains undeciphered due to the lack of available texts (only about 1500), and no known modern languages related to the Minoan language Linear A transcribes. The translation of Linear B in the 1952 has proven essential to current knowledge of the Mycenaeans, giving us access to their administrative documents and as a result insight into what civilizations they were in contact with and their political and economic structures. Translating Linear A poses a similar and even greater benefit as the Linear A script appears on both administrative and nonadministrative documents. While translation of Linear A is still years away, applying this method of syntagmatic comparison can provide similar benefits for understanding Minoan social, political, and religious life.