Italian Material Cultures

This article explores research related to material cultures and the role played by material objects in the construction of italianità. A survey of critical concerns and historical perspectives on the intersections between Italian Studies and Material Culture Studies locates material culture within the evolving interdisciplinarity of Italian Studies and highlights the methodological approaches adopted in the field. This is followed by three new case studies of material culture in action which, by encompassing a wide temporal base and diverse forms of materiality (ceramic, stone, paper), illustrate how material culture and its study can transcend traditionally inscribed geographical and chronological boundaries, inviting more transnational and transtemporal approaches to the study of Italian culture. The article also proposes how Italian Studies can embrace Material Culture Studies and integrate the methodology into existing disciplinary approaches.