Understanding the Hidden

Description

Understanding what is hidden: how archaeology and touch explore the invisible
Sunday, November 15, 2026, 3 PM
What lies underground is hidden from all of us, whether we can see it or not. Yet, archaeologists have the ability to pierce this darkness: they know exactly what to look for and 'see' what is hidden in the ground from minimal clues, even before it is exposed to daylight. On November 15, 2026, the Rehmann Museum invites you to a special meeting that will shed light on this phenomenon.
Under the title 'Understanding what is hidden', the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Aargau and blind expert Stefan Rehmann will discuss, as part of the exhibition dedicated to Mo Diener (*1961), the interaction between knowledge, touch, and speculation in archaeological research. In archaeology, it is often not sight, but the tips of the fingers that allow for an appreciation of the material. For the identification and dating of fragmented ceramic vessels, touch is an essential method for understanding the nature of the material and the composition of the clay. These two elements provide clues about the manufacturing technique and dating of the ceramics. But the discussion of this evening goes further and explores the speculative dimension: just as a blind person mentally reconstructs an object from touch and their own memory – and this image can prove to be an error over time – so too can science. Archaeology is not a rigid set of facts, but a permanent and dynamic exploration. Archaeological discoveries are constantly subject to reflection, deepening, and evolution. The past is not a fixed story, but constantly evolves with the advances of research. The round table, moderated by Patrizia Solombrino (Rehmann Museum), thus bridges the fascinating sensory world of blind individuals and the scientific methodology in the face of incompleteness.
About Stefan Rehmann: Stefan Rehmann is a psychotherapist and resides in the former home of Erwin Rehmann, of whom he is a neighbor. As a blind art enthusiast, he aims to make the perception of art through touch accessible to a wider audience. Despite his name, Stefan Rehmann has only a distant familial connection to Erwin Rehmann.
Benjamin Höpfer is an archaeologist and scientific collaborator at the cantonal archaeological service. He specializes in Middle Bronze Age sites and landscape archaeology. He lives with his family in Laufenburg.
Debora C. Tretola Martinez is an archaeologist and amphora specialist within the cantonal archaeological service. With her extensive experience, she is able to determine the origin, throughout Europe, even of the smallest fragments of amphorae.