Mnemonic Objects: Forensic and Rhetorical Practices in Memorial Culture

Memorial sites often employ objects as powerful mnemonic devices to evoke collective memory and reflect on violent histories. These objects, such as hair, shoes, or stopped clocks, create a tangible connection to traumatic events, enabling both visitors and survivors to engage with memories through sympathetic kinesthesia—imagining touch even when physical contact is restricted. The study identifies the universal role of these 'familiar' yet representative objects in memorial culture, drawing from fieldwork across 21 countries, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like those in Cambodia. By analyzing objects deployed in sites commemorating genocide, slavery, nuclear war, and other atrocities, the research reveals their capacity to serve as rhetorical tools for remembering violence while integrating seamlessly into everyday life.

Clark, L. B. (2013). Mnemonic Objects: Forensic and Rhetorical Practices in Memorial Culture. Memory and Postwar Memorials, 155–173. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137343529_9