Malchenko O. E. Graffiti on artillery barrels in XVI-XIX centuries

Abstract: The article is related to the acquired artillery epigraphy of XVI-XIX centuries. For the first time, the term “cannon graffiti” is being used in research. The author substantiates the use of this term in relevance to illegitimate writings on artillery barrels. Graffiti on cannons is viewed as an unofficial form of communication of the Army’s artillery community in the environment of conflict. The author attempted to classify cannon graffiti by type by analyzing several dozens of surviving samples in the museums of Eurasia, Northern and Central America. The author provides concrete examples by group and nature of the specimens and voices suppositions concerning the authors of the graffiti and points out the low informativeness of those writings as historical sources. The author criticizes certain approaches to cannon graffiti research (thematic, motivational). Significant attention is drawn to the functional traits of the graffiti (“magical”, integrative, special functions). The author draws conclusions about the prospective value for this sort of epigraphic material for the purpose of historical study using the anthropocentric approach.

Keywords: