ABSTRACT
This chapter delves into the interplay of trauma, nostalgia, and material culture, with a focus on their impact on our comprehension of the past, especially in the context of traumatic histories such as Afghanistan’s. It scrutinizes the connection between material culture, specifically the Afghanistan National Museum, and the interwoven elements of nostalgia, traumatic history, cultural heritage, and the shaping of national identity. The authors emphasize how the utilization of material culture to evoke nostalgia involves the construction of an idealized past that filters out violent traumatic experiences. Ultimately, it serves as a cultural and material memorial, facilitating the accentuation of positive aspects from the past and providing a valuable tool for the present
