Japanese is called a mixed script because kanji may be phonetically and/or ideographically used. The challenge is knowing how each kanji is being used within a word. This is especially true when only names are available. When looking up LinA words in the Japanese dictionary, I frequently encounter multiple definitions as well as names, which […]

Nodule PH Wa 32 PH Scribe unknown su.ki.ri.ta is a Greek word that appears alone in this LinA context at Phaistos and at least five times on LinB tablets as they pertain to sheep. This LinA nodule has been dated to MMIII (sometime between 1700-1550 BCE). If this nodule belongs to LinB, rather than to LinA, it appears roughly […]

A roundel with a triton seal α.  ha.di | β.  ro 1.  ja.di.ro | †白巳呂 (hashiro) | †a white serpent with a hermitage α. 白巳 β. 呂 α. a white serpent β. (with) a hermitage   Notes: Henshall [Kanji #56] states that, in ancient times, snakes and insects were treated alike, so that 虫 mushi is a crawling […]

MA Wc 5 Roundel Inventory marker MA Scribe unknown Side α .1  a.sa .2  da.ka Side β .1 GRA “E” 4 a.sa | 麻 (asa) | flax (Linum usitatissimum), linseed; hemp (Cannabis sativa) da.ka | 高 (daka) | quantity; number, volume E | 1/4 [?] GRA | grain (counter) Side α .1  麻 flax .2  高  quantity Side β […]

Noduli HT Wa 1014, 1015, 1016, 1017, 1018 HT Scribe 54 HT Wa 1027, 1028 HT Scribes unknown Each of two hanging noduli, Wa 1027 and 1028, bears one sign on each of two faces; John Younger confirms a reading of either ka.si or si.ka so that the dual signs may perhaps be associated with si.ka on […]

An earthenware jug THE Scribe unknown A. he je | 瓮 (he) | an earthenware vessel for holding alcoholic beverages, etc. Notes:  This vessel may have been among the first to hold beer, which is endemic to Egyptian culture.  Moreover, this translation lends support to the third possibility for KE Zb 3. Entry added on 09 Jan […]

A Bronze Cauldron MY Scribe unknown While Mycenae is known for its LinB tablets, at least two LinA inscriptions have been found on grave goods. One of these objects is a bronze cauldron that bears a single sign on the flange of one of its handles. This appears to be the only instance in LinA […]

A course-ware cup KE Scribe unknown The Cycladic island of Kea or Keos (modern Tzia) is located 60 km (37.5 miles) southeast of Athens. During the Bronze Age, Kea was a Minoan settlement at the site now known as Aghia Irini [“Kea”].  Among this site’s LinA inscriptions is a course-ware cup that bears a single […]

A schist plaque HS scribe unknown A.  a.ma a.ma | 天 (ama) | heaven, sky; deva Notes:  Thus far, this plaque is the only LinA inscription from this site.  Compare 天照大  神 Amaterasu Oomikami “the sun goddess”, which is the principle deity in the Shinto pantheon.  照らす terasu means “to illuminate, to shine”, and 大御神  oomikami, or ookami, is […]