Epigraphie et Liturgie: Entre écriture, paroles et gestes (X-XII s.)

This paper off ers an exploration of the concept of “liturgical” inscriptions and aims to analyze whether medieval epigraphic documents were used as part of Christian rituals. Many inscriptions have been composed with some liturgical content, quoting part of ritual texts or addressing some of the gestures, movements or objects used during the ceremonies, but it seems not enough to consider that they had a “liturgical” function. Indeed, they did not take part in the effi cacy of the ritual and they did not produce by themselves sacramental eff ects. By analyzing some examples inscribed in Western Europe during the 10th, 11th and 12th centuries, this paper draws some guidelines for a deeper understanding of the way in which medieval inscriptions interact with the actions and meaning of liturgy. It also proposes some thoughts about the role of writing in the ritual of consecration of churches and shows how written practices have to be considered beyond their commemorative and advertising purposes.