UWA Conference 2023: Studying Written Artefacts. Challenges and Perspectives

The conference will take place over three days of panel presentations structured in two parallel sessions, on 27–29 September 2023.

For a long time, researchers have debated when writing was invented and written artefacts first produced. They have asked whether this was a peculiarity of homo sapiens and what writing actually is, considering whether posing such a question is, in fact, methodologically possible. Most researchers can agree that the invention and use of writing has had such a profound impact on the history of humanity that its consequences continue even in the most sophisticated digital applications, even though manuscripts and writings still remain with us.

As for written artefacts we take the broad working definition of any artificial or natural object that have written or pictorial (visual) signs. This definition includes the traditional notion of manuscript, in all attested book forms, and inscription, and at the same time goes well beyond these broad categories.

This conference will provide a unique forum for sharing experiences and views among the international community working on written artefacts, showcasing pioneering research, and developing new ideas. A detailed programme will be released soon.