Second Time Around

2nd Edition - Writing Material Culture History

My career focus has been on bridging knowledge in view of developing object-based learning with cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary approaches. It is certainly a satisfaction for any researcher to share his findings with the various communities both within academia and general public. Seeing your work reedited, is something to be proud - I certainly am!

Writing Material Culture History examines the methodologies used in the historical study of material culture. Looking at archaeology, anthropology, art history and literary studies, the book provides students with a fundamental understanding of the relationship between artifacts and historical narratives. It addresses the role of museums, the impact of the digital age and the representations of objects in public history, bringing together students and specialists from around the world.

This new edition includes:

A new substantive introduction from the editors, providing a useful roadmap for students and specialists. A more balanced and easy-to-use structure, including methodological chapters and 'object in focus' chapters consisting of case studies for classroom discussion.

New chapters showing greater engagement with 20th-century material culture, non-European artefacts and the definitions and limits of material culture as a discipline.

Offers global coverage and discussion of both the early modern and modern periods.

Writing Material Culture History 2nd edition is an essential tool for students seeking to understand the potential of objects to re-cast established historical narratives in new and exciting ways.

In this chapter, developed together with Dr. Jessica Hallett (Curator, Early Modern Middle East, Calouste Gulbenkian Museum), revisits the study were involved in the study of three Persian carpets from the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança collection in Guimarães (Portugal). The objects’ high quality was recognized together with the advanced state of degradation, with previous interventions causing greater damage. A interdisciplinary team comprising textile conservators, art historians and conservation scientist was gathered to develop an innovative approach with surprising results.