Substraattikirjo

Substraattikirjo is a Finnish term formed from substraatti (substrate) and kirjo (writing or text). In Finnish-language discourse it is used to refer to inscriptions, markings, or text that are applied directly to the surface of a substrate, rather than to a separate page or medium. The term does not have a single universally accepted definition, and its precise meaning varies with context.

In archaeology, art history, and conservation, substraattikirjo may describe markings on objects such as ceramics, stone, metal, or wood where inscriptions are incised, painted, stamped, or otherwise imprinted into the material. Such writings are considered part of the object's physical record and can provide information about provenance, dating, ownership, or function. The concept is often discussed in relation to how markings survive over time and how they are interpreted within the context of the substrate.

In manufacturing and material science, substraattikirjo can refer more generally to labeling, notation, or identification marks applied directly to product surfaces or components during production, testing, or quality control. This can include etching, laser marking, engraving, or printing on the substrate material itself.

Because substraattikirjo is a niche and context-dependent term, practitioners typically rely on field-specific terminology when documenting methods, materials, and interpretations. There is no universally standardized definition, so readers should consult discipline-specific sources to determine the exact meaning in a given study or application.