In some fields within the humanities and beyond, the description and interpretation of what is often referred to as ‘traces of use’ has gained increased attention. While archaeologists may rely on these (among other characteristics) to reconstruct past object uses (cf. Hofmann 2017), literary scholars analyse marginalia—i.e. written notes and marks in text (margins)—and earmarks as knowledge-forming and -producing practices (cf. Aspers and Kilcher 2020). Historians have begun to chart out the potentials of analysing traces on objects: The preservation of traces of burns on an oil painting, Detlef Hoffmann argued, allows the object to continue to ‘bear witness’ beyond the depicted and materials of depiction (Hoffmann 2007; cf. Ludwig 2019). Furthermore, sociologist Armin Nassehi states that data and data sets are traces of traces (Nassehi 2019); simultaneously, “digital traces” (Latour 2013) left on devices may become subject to identification and interpretation.

These explorations share two common threads: First, they are based on/rely on concepts/notions of ‘trace’, discussions of which have increased in the past two decades. Drawing on theoretical approaches by, inter alia, Jacques Derrida (1976) and Carlo Ginzburg (1983; cf. Krämer et al. 2007), traces are conceptualised as, e.g. “material manifestation[s] […] of something” (Rheinberger 2011, 338) or contemporary phenomena recognized as references to past phenomena (cf. Routledge 2023, 338). Second and thus, traces are recognized in their value of linking past and present. Yet, if any given object may be recognized as a trace, what then is the trace on the trace? How do we recognize/access traces on objects? How do the time dimensions of traces on objects relate to those of the object; do they allow the object to “speak back” (Bal 2000, 9) differently and if so in what way?

The two-day workshop aims to provide a platform for researchers in (but not limited to) anthropology, archaeology, digital history, history, media science, and science and technology studies, to revisit, explore, and challenge the potentials and boundaries of (alternatives to) trace-concepts in relation to traces on objects. Contributions based on empirical research are very welcome, but papers should focus on theoretical/methodological questions.

Organisation and Time Schedule
Participants will be paired for panels and asked to submit papers (in English, roughly 5 pages, line spacing: 1,5) by September 30th, 2024. Papers will be circulated prior to the workshop. Panel sessions will comprise of comments and plenary discussion: participants will be asked to prepare and present a short comment on their colleague’s paper. Substantial time will be reserved for subsequent plenary discussions.

Abstract submission: June 10th, 2024
Notification of workshop participants: June 20th, 2024
Paper submissions: September 30th, 2024
Date and venue of the workshop: October 25th–26th, Bielefeld University

You are kindly invited to send a short abstract (200 words) that indicates your prospective paper’s focus and a short bio (150 words) to Agnes Piekacz (apiekacz@uni-bielefeld.de) until June 10th, 2024. Early career researchers are especially encouraged to apply. The workshop will take place at Bielefeld University in an in-person format. Still, researchers to whom in-person attendance may be an issue are encouraged to apply; to ensure wider access to the workshop a hybrid format is under consideration. A limited number of travel grants (2nd class train ticket and one night accommodation) will be made available for presenters whose travel expenses cannot be covered by other means of funding. Please note in your abstract submission whether a full/partial grant is required.

In case of questions, you are welcome to contact Agnes Piekacz (apiekacz@uni-bielefeld.de).