Cross of Calatrava

Silent Heraldry

Welcome to the Calontir Sign Herald page!

In the SCA there are several types of heralds. Some use their heads, such as book heralds; some use their voices, such as cry heralds; some use their hands, such as sign/silent heralds. The term Sign Herald and Silent Herald are used interchangeably and mean the same thing. The various heraldic positions allow a variety of people to serve in a variety of ways, picking one or more of the heraldic disciplines in which to work.

Sign heralds are closest in nature to vocal heralds, although their duties sometimes can take them into venues other than court or field. Sign heralds in the society are heralds who express auditory information into visual and/or tactile information. Sign heralds use sign language, lip movements, facial expression, gestures, and body language to convey what they hear, this is the visual part. As well, there are some members of the populace who require the sign herald to make signs into the person’s hands, this is the tactile part.

If you are interested in becoming part of this growing group in the SCA, please send us an email at goodhand@calontir.org and let us know!

Silent Heraldry Resources

So You Want To Become A Silent Herald? – Tips and advice for those interested in volunteering for silent heraldry.
Deaf History(PDF)
Six Things to Know About Silent Heraldry(PDF) – This is the letter that the Good-hand Herald gives to the Heirs after Crown Tournament.
SCA College of Arms Silent Heraldry Articles – This is the Society’s Web page dedicated to information regarding Silent Heraldry and Sign Language.
SCA Sign Herald Mailing List
SCA Silent Heraldry Facebook Group
Nesscia’s Silent Heraldry YouTube channel
ASLPro – Excellent resource for learning and practicing ASL and fingerspelling.
https://www.lifeprint.com/ – American Sign Language lessons