- The different material sources of history
- Written sources
- Audiovisual sources
- Material objects
- References
The material sources of history are those objects that are the product of a culture in all its forms and everything done on a material support. The latter includes all types of writing, engraving or painting, among others. We can include objects such as utensils, war material, artifacts, instruments and means of transport.
While the written text is the original and traditional source of historical knowledge, the concept of the historical source has been transformed and redefined over the centuries. This has happened because the material remains have diversified to the same extent that new means of communication, records and non-textual data have appeared.
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The different material sources of history
Written sources
A large number of texts or written sources are available for studying history, a discipline that begins with the discovery of writing. Since then, and thanks to the fact that the production of texts has been prolific since its invention, it has been possible to reconstruct a good part of the historical evolution of humanity.
Texts become of historical interest when they convey part of a reality that has been lived or reconstructed. In that sense, its typology is extensive. These can be public files or private documents. Also, written sources can be grouped into:
-Narrative historical texts: chronicles, travel stories, annals, inscriptions, biographies and calendars.
-Documents: fiscal, protocols, accounting or referring to people
-Acts: administrative, business, military, parliamentary.
-Legal texts: wills, ordinances, games.
-Autobiographies: memoirs, diaries.
-Epistolary
-Advertising texts
-Literary texts.
Audiovisual sources
Audiovisual sources are the set of sound recordings, films and photographs that have been made by both professionals and amateurs about a cultural event.
Filming and radio recordings can only help reconstruct the history of the recent past.
It is necessary to have the means and the appropriate technology to have access to these types of audiovisual sources. The photographs, on the other hand, cover a larger space of time.
Now, this kind of material source only has historical validity if the relationship between these sources and the historical moment in which they were made can be established. In addition, the symbolism contained in them should be read.
Material objects
Material objects are those items that have physical substance. These are primarily formed or produced by human action. They are also known as monumental fountains, and include all kinds of objects that can be presented in exhibitions in different museums.
Although these objects are not human creations, they can be considered valid sources of history if they play an important role for a human society. These objects often have a symbolic meaning.
Now, what survives a particular time largely determines the ability to reconstruct history. Organic materials, for example, require certain conditions for their subsistence.
The remains, regardless of their size, are crucial to compiling the data. The archaeologists of yesteryear used to discard small objects, but that is no longer the case. At present, it is evaluated up to microscopic analysis.
References
- Prats, J. and Santana, J. (2011). Work with material sources in the teaching of history. In J. Prats (Coord.), Geography and History. Research, innovation and good practices, pp. 11-38. Barcelona: Grao.
- Bowden, J. (2015, November 18). Sources of History. Ancient History et cetera. Recovered from etc.ancient.eu.
- Barahona, M. and Rivas, R. (2007). Culture and development with indigenous peoples: work guides. Tegucigalpa: Editorial Guaymuras.
- Galindo Cáceres, LJ (1998). Research techniques in society, culture and communication. Mexico: Pearson Education.
- Waugh, D. (s / f). Material Culture / Objects. World History Sources. Recovered from chnm.gmu.edu.