National Matters investigates the role of material culture and materiality in defining and solidifying national identity in everyday practice. Examining a range of "things"-from art objects, clay fragments, and broken stones to clothing, food, and urban green space-the contributors to this volume explore the importance of matter in making the nation appear real, close, and important to its citizens. Symbols and material objects do not just reflect the national visions deployed by elites and consumed by the masses, but are themselves important factors in the production of national...

National Matters investigates the role of material culture and materiality in defining and solidifying national identity in everyday practice. Examining a range of "things"-from art objects, clay fragments, and broken stones to clothing, food, and urban green space-the contributors to this volume explore the importance of matter in making the nation appear real, close, and important to its citizens. Symbols and material objects do not just reflect the national visions deployed by elites and consumed by the masses, but are themselves important factors in the production of national...