Writing Matters: Italy in the First Millennium BCE

The "material approach" to studying inscriptions in early Italy offers significant implications for understanding literacy and writing practices. By focusing on the physical aspects of inscribed objects, such as materials, technology, and context, this approach reveals insights beyond linguistic content. It highlights the diversity of writing practices, suggesting that literacy was not solely elite but also involved artisans and others. The materiality of writing supports the idea that writing was used in various contexts, including manufacturing and ritual, and was not just for elite purposes. This approach also underscores the importance of considering the sensory experience of writing and reading, which was likely more dynamic and interactive than previously thought. Overall, the material approach enriches our understanding of literacy and writing practices in early Italy, demonstrating their multifaceted nature and societal significance.

The book challenges traditional assumptions about writing in early Italian societies by focusing on its materiality and social context. It argues that writing was not essential to the functioning of these societies, contrary to the notion that writing is a defining characteristic of civilization. The book highlights the limited role of writing in daily life, suggesting it was more of an "add-on" technology. It also questions the assumption that literacy was restricted to the elite, providing evidence that women, particularly in textile production and gift exchange, were involved in writing practices. This challenges the notion that artisans were not literate. The book's material approach emphasizes the significance of the physical objects and their contexts, revealing a more nuanced understanding of writing's role in these societies.

The book presents evidence to support its claims about the agency of objects and the ritualization of writing in early Italy through various aspects:

1. Speaking Inscriptions: The use of first-person pronouns in inscriptions suggests objects may have been perceived as having agency, with the objects "speaking" through their inscriptions.

2. Ritual Contexts: Writing tools and materials found in tombs and sanctuaries indicate ritualization, as these items were likely used in religious or ceremonial practices.

3. Writing Tools: The presence of styluses and tablets made of non-standard materials like bronze suggests ritual or symbolic significance, rather than practical use.

4. Gender and Writing: Evidence of women's involvement in writing, particularly in textile production and teaching, challenges traditional assumptions about gender roles in early writing practices.

5. Materiality: The book emphasizes the importance of considering the physical aspects of writing, such as materials and production processes, to understand the social and ritual significance of writing.

The book contributes to the broader discussion of writing and material culture in the ancient world by focusing on the material aspects of writing in first-millennium BCE Italy. It emphasizes the importance of considering the materiality of inscribed objects and monuments, including their mobility, location, scale, arrangement, material, technology, and function. This approach offers insights into the social contexts of literacy and the roles of various individuals in the production and consumption of writing.

Potential future directions for research include:

1. Expanding the scope to include other ancient writing systems and regions.
2. Conducting sensory experiments to understand the experience of ancient writing.
3. Investigating the agency of objects in relation to writing.
4. Exploring the ritualization of writing and its significance in ancient societies.
5. Analyzing the role of women in writing practices and literacy.
6. Examining the regional variations in the use of writing and its cultural implications.