Configuration

As Dupont has discussed, the shape of material culture is important in communicating its meaning. Blackboards were formally plain, signifying a directedness with which they were used to communicate ideas. In other words, their meaning was conveyed through their status as a figurative object. (Dupont, 2) While shape was significant, it was highly dependent on the configurations of the site of their installation.

While not immediately imposing, blackboards were nevertheless large, often covering at least one wall in a room. In addition, slate was a hard, permanent and resilient material. Originally mined in the slate mines of Wales and Cornwall, among other locations, it was later harvested in North American locations such as Bangor, Pennsylvania. This is what it looks like:

Slate miners brought knowledge of the material and its use from Europe to the North American mines. Slate mining continues across North America, but is almost exclusively harvested for slate roofing and other functions.

Slate continues to be mined at various locations throughout the world, including Canada. It is typically harvested for use on roofs. More information can be found at Jenkin's Slate

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