This new project proposes that we can identify record-keeping and record-keepers archaeologically through traces of the characteristic tools of this “trade”. The project will develop ways to study the technology of record-keeping, with writing the most commonly investigated type.
We will apply existing archaeological methods for examining technologies in ancient societies to identify the work of record-keeping in the past. Such methods include identification of materials employed, production of these materials, location of work, access to materials and work locations, and identity and specialization of practitioners, as a start. Methods and previous work in other disciplines such as art history, history, literature, conservation, etc., also provide us with many valuable approaches and information.
Aspect 1 of the project, begun in May 2025, has an information-collection focus.
Research assistants and associated project members are gathering references to all aspects of record-keeping, especially writing, and create formatted annotated bibliographies on selected themes.
A main goal of this aspect is creation of a well-documented database of items thoughtfully annotated by project members, including academic articles and other texts, non-academic journalism and popular texts, and relevant websites, blogs and videos. This database will allow project members to search for information across genres, time periods and world areas – for example, what information did we find about wax tablet use in any time or place, from archaeological finds to experimental research to literary accounts or visual images and beyond?
Aspect 2 of the project is application of this material to specific questions. The project is designed to look at archaeological questions but will welcome those working in other disciplines as well. Project members will post short summaries of their topics and research questions to this website, or link from it to their own websites. This aspect of the project may employ literature summaries of existing data related to these questions (archaeological, historical, ethnographic, etc.), as well as targeted experimental archaeology work.
For example, the project director, Heather M.-L. Miller, is interested in collecting materials that can be used to address the nature of the hypothesized unpreserved texts of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Phase of the Indus Valley Integration Era). What materials may have been used? Who may have used them, and for what purposes? She hopes to use answers to these questions to look for evidence of bureaucratic work in the Harappan Phase, as insights into political and social organization.
Aspect 3 of the project is testing of project proposals against archaeological materials, mostly in collections but possibly in targeted excavations. To aid in this process, the project plans to create advice sheets for researchers on data to collect in the field and in the laboratory or collections. For example, researchers investigating the use of palm leaf substrates for writing may wish to collect sediment for phytolith or other microbotanical analyses from locations with promising associated objects. Experimental researchers might do the same, to create reference materials. Similarly, advice sheets on methods of testing suspected ‘ink pots’ for characteristic ink residues or associated recipe ingredients known from accounts for the region and time may be helpful.
Aspect 4 of the project is information exchange, through online resources, workshops and conferences, and academic and popular texts. This aspect is a key part of the project, to spark ideas and encourage contact between loosely-affiliated project associates as well as broader interested groups.
Once the project matures, all of these aspects will occur simultaneously, and provide reinforcement for development of the other components.
This undertaking is intended as a ten-year project under the direction of Heather M.-L. Miller at the University of Toronto (Mississauga campus), but with many offshoots and alternative directions by others at various career stages. This website is just the beginning. Please let us know what you think, especially any recommendations and constructive criticism. We hope you’ll join us in exploring this topic, whether as a project affiliate or as an interested audience. If you are interested in joining the project for graduate work, please see the Student and Post-Doctoral Research Opportunities page (also on the side-bar to the left).
Links to current Aspect 1 work in progress:
Charlotte Li’s literary research on the “Four Treasures of the Scholar’s Study” (China)
Aileen Luu’s literary research on “Palm Leaf Manuscripts in Southeast and South Asia”
Dr. Rachele Bianchi’s literary & ethnoarchaeological research on “Production of Roman Wax Tablets” (link in progress)