Maltese iconography : a contextual analysis of unrecorded ship graffiti near Triq il-Wied, Qormi

Abstract

This thesis concerns the recording of a previously unrecorded ship graffiti site in Qormi, Malta. The depiction of ships through historic incisions represents an important iconographic source of ship types and maritime history. Threats faced by graffiti sites are manifold, and increased rates of construction and renovation jeopardise the graffiti of historic buildings. Through the adoption of a graffiti recording method, ship lines were traced from the detailed incisions with specific vessel types identified. This research presents a number of key findings including: an assemblage of graffiti depicting corsairing, merchant and naval vessels. International examples of vessels are depicted including several Levantine ship types. The main conclusions from this research are that the depiction of vessels through the details of sails, rigging and flags, strongly suggests knowledge of the operation of a vessel and its features. The presentation of archival research supports the notion of a non-coastal maritime influence on individuals from Qormi. This dissertation recommends the implementation of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) technology to further record degraded examples of historic graffiti.