Word, power, and faith: prayers as source for the history of writing

Abstract

This text has as main objective to present other possibilities of working with the written word as sources for History, be it writing, reading or be it language. We suggest a new “look” for the written word trying “to see” beyond its literal meaning, transposing the boundaries imposed by the lines of paper; and browsing the field of representations, seeking real/historical or imaginary senses, from written sources loaded with meanings and representations: handwritten prayers. From these prayers, we try to think of their many and possible meanings and appropriations.