Dear All,
The word "symbollocks" (as a play on symbolics) was used to highlight the difference between representation and recognition, to express concern at the use of the word "symbologies" to mean symbols or symbol systems rather than the study and interpretation of symbols, and to show that non-standard or mixed symbols (which the word is) can cause frustration, anger and offence. However, no personal offence was intended to Messrs. Carlisle or Hopper or other Fishers, and I'm sorry if it was so construed.
Icons and symbols are important means of communication. There may or may not be strict definition of these, but everybody "knows" what the icon means or does, even if everybody's idea is slightly different from every other's. Public archaeology needs to communicate ideas, patterns in time and place, historical understanding, across a wide variety of groups with different knowledge bases. Even a few standard icons to help us in visualisation and recognition would greatly assist this process of communication.
Cheers,
Neil
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