The RISS editorial team has decided to explore the theme “symbol” this semester. Just the fact that you can now decode the letters and understand what is written in this author’s guide illustrates how integrated the use of symbols is in the human mind and society. The term “symbol” covers a lot. We are interested in texts that shed light on everything from early symbolic thought, such as the discoveries in the Blombos cave, to modern use of symbols.

Texts dealing with art are welcome. This also includes art forms such as rock art and urban graffiti. What symbols have individuals of the past chosen to carve, scratch, or paint into rocks, buildings or other objects, and what might have been the meaning behind them? Language is an aspect of our use of symbols, and is an ability homo sapiens presumably shared with Neanderthals and possibly other human species. We welcome texts about language, written language and the use and development of these. Here, for example, the finding of the Svingerudsteinen, the oldest find of runes to date, can be a relevant topic. The same applies to the use of hieroglyphs, cuneiform and other written languages ​​and inscriptions. The discussion about the language abilities of other human species, such as the Neanderthals, is also relevant. Actions can also be symbols. We welcome submissions about rituals, or other symbolically charged actions that have been carried out by individuals in the past.

People have charged different symbols with different meanings since time immemorial. We want texts about, among other things, religious symbols, political symbols, symbols of ethnic affiliation, identity symbols and, not least, status symbols. Texts that discuss how people have marked their status throughout the ages, and how this is shown in the archaeological material through, among other things, finds of jewellery, weapons, extravagant graves and magnificent acts of sacrifice, are welcome. How have rulers and gods been depicted and portrayed? What about ordinary people? What kind of symbols have those at the bottom of society used to express themselves?

Symbolic use can be exalted and sacred, or mundane and even humorous or vulgar. All texts that can shed light on the theme “symbol” in various ways are welcome in RISS No. 7. Contributions can deal with all time periods, all places in the world and all research areas within archaeology. We accept professional articles, essays, processed assignments, interviews, illustrations, photos, book and film reviews, and fiction texts from students, professionals and other interested parties. If you would like to contribute to the next issue of RISS, send us your contribution by 14 October 2024 to riss@uib.no.

 

Languages:
Scandinavian or English.

Name and Title:
Title of your contribution. Author’s name, title and place of work.

Length, text size and line spacing:
Maximum 3000 words, font size 12 and line spacing 1,5.

Images/Illustrations/Figures:
Open Access, high resolution, numbered figures, name of photographer/author.

References and bibliography:
References and bibliography are not necessary. Do include an abstract and a literature list for further reading.

Direct quotes:
Mark with “ and ” or in cursive without quotation marks if quotes exceed three lines. Direct quotes must be referenced.

Contact:
Contributions, drafts or questions can be sent to riss@uib.no.

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