I don't have the link, but I did read an article a few years back about an amazing archeological find. Someone had the presence of mind to play the side of an ancient pot as if it were an LP. They knew that the potter had made designs in the vessel by holding a stick against it as it spun on the wheel. Archeologists mimicked the motion of that stick and listened to see if it had recorded any sounds while the potter was working. In fact, they heard the muffled but distinctive sound of a conversation taking place. Sorry I can't find the URL but the article did include a sound file. I suppose it could be a hoax but I don't think so.
The point? There is something durable about the actual, physical trace.
The point? There is something durable about the actual, physical trace.