Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH)

@mothbielefeld.bsky.social

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This project, based at Bielefeld University and funded by the VolkswagenStiftung, is led by Professor Lisa Regazzoni. It develops a Material-Oriented Theory of History (MOTH), exploring the past through matter and materiality.

Poster for the exploratory workshop "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: An Exploratory Workshop on Rethinking the Ontology of History," taking place 9–10 July at Bielefeld University. The poster features a mint-green background with bold black typography and a large abstract dark-brown illustration of a tilted stone or archaeological object. Organizer: Lisa Regazzoni, Professor of Theory of History. Supported by Bielefeld University, VolkswagenStiftung, and the MOTH project.
Poster for an academic workshop titled “Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: An Exploratory Workshop on Rethinking the Ontology of History.” The poster has a turquoise background with large black text and a dark abstract illustration resembling a rock, mineral, or material object occupying the right half of the design. The workshop takes place on 9–10 July at Bielefeld University, Building X, and is led by Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni. Sessions are scheduled for 9 July, 14:00–18:00 (Room B2-103) and 10 July, 09:00–18:00 (Room A2-103). Registration and inquiries can be directed to karen.gamm@uni-bielefeld.de. At the bottom are the logos of Bielefeld University, VolkswagenStiftung, and MOTH.
Promotional poster for Universität Bielefeld’s new M.A. programme, Bilder, Medien, Materialität: Historische Perspektiven. The design features a blue and green abstract background with textured, moss-like spherical forms. The university logo and the Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology appear at the top left. Large white text announces the programme title and “Uni Bielefeld.” Additional text notes that the new master’s programme begins in the winter semester 2026/27, with applications open until 30 September 2026. A QR code is displayed in the lower-right corner.
Boaz Paz presenting at the workshop “Matter of Time,” where we shared insights into the research work and lab analysis we have been carrying out in our project, with the aim of developing new questions regarding materiality and historical research.
Poster of the workshop “The Matter of Time: Materiality and Time in Historical Research” held at Bielefeld University on the 26-27 May.
The MOTH team gathered at the Theory Oriented Object Laboratory (TOOL) at Universität Bielefeld, inquiring together TOOC Object No. 016—reflecting on war, memory, and family histories through materiality, cataloguing, and epistemic practices.
Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) team retreat at Bielefeld University, funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung.