Paper short abstract:

This conference will focus on the social operations surrounding the moments when second-hand objects in yard sales and flea markets are requalified as objects of memory.

Paper long abstract:

The fate of everyday objects, when they reach the end of their lives — worn out, and sometimes even broken — varies a great deal. In some instances, their remains are exhibited in museums as instances of our heritage; in others, they end up in garages and attics, or are simply disposed of. This conference will focus on the social operations surrounding the redefinition of their status as second-hand objects — the moments when these relics are passed on, pass away. We will pay special attention to what happens when second-hand objects are bought and sold in flea markets or yard sales. Over the past thirty years, such markets — where personal stories change hands — have become favoured destinations for Sunday outings in France. They are open-air museums, where new memories are cobbled together from old objects. We will attempt to show what is at stake in these transactions through a presentation of the book (2011) and exhibition (2012) we have devoted to French yard sales.