Mirrors are objects which humans use every day on different occasions with the major purpose of reflecting or showing the reverse image. Furthermore, these objects are not necessary for human life or surviving which make an interesting viewpoint: why do people invent and use mirrors? And do mirrors have influence for understanding ancient societies? They are made from diverse materials (stone, glass, silver, gold, lead, tin, copper, bronze, obsidian and others), have a wide range of formats and colors, used around the world from prehistory to today, in different nations and civilization, but their basic task remains the same: reflecting an image. Beyond this, mirrors in the past had various purposes and roles. They reflected social and personal identities, moral attitudes, rituals, and were often perceived as religious or magical objects.
This project is conducted for improving digital humanities and interdisciplinary approach to mirror studies. Mirrors can be a connective point for different scholars and scientists (for humanities – archaeologists, art historians, anthropologist, ethnologist, philosophers, linguisticians; social scientists, psychologists, cultural theorists; for sciences – physicists, chemists, engineers and many others) which encourage us to make our project relevant for new approaches to mirrors and also, as an online tool for easier research.
Main aims of the project are:
1) Collect and to bring online database about mirrors around the world, to provide an electronic map and search engine to locate locations;
2) Collect historical sources about mirrors from early civilizations to the 19th century in different languages;
3) Collect and to provide a list of publications and other databases of main scholars who are researching mirrors;
4) Organize digital online conferences for young students and early researchers who are interested in mirrors;
5) Make user-friendly and free access to our online database of mirrors;
6) Create additional materials including maps, 3D models, search engines and mobile applications;
7) Make mirror studies as an interdisciplinary academic field.
Links:
Website: http://mirrorstudies.com