What is a Element?

The term “element” is used to refer to a siglum or other marking that may appear on a given support such as an artifact or monument (i.e. textual inscription, decoration, …). All information about the support should be entered first on the “support page”, and then the user proceeds to this “element page” to provide particular information about the siglum itself: whether it was created during or after production, whether it was incised, scratched, painted or stamped, whether it occurs alone (“simple” element) or in combination with another (“composite” element), and other relevant details and bibliography. Each siglum should be analyzed as to whether it may be called an alphabetiform or numeriform element or whether it is an abstract element, such as those illustrated on the “SIGNARY” (‘about IESP’ page, ‘link’ section). Images or decoration drawn beside a siglum may be included as an element (e.g., drawing of a fish or ship) because of the relationship they have with the siglum itself. Visual documentation is of the utmost importance. It is required to present an “apograph” of the siglum, i.e., a drawing of the siglum alone. A photo and drawing of the support, showing the location of the element, should also be inserted.