Breaking Ground: Women’s Roles in German Archaeology Since the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

This paper examines the historical role of women in German archaeology spanning the early nineteenth to the late twentieth centuries. Our investigation delves into the breadth of their activities and the multifaceted nature of archaeological practice. While conventional perceptions often associate archaeology primarily with fieldwork and a select group of male excavators, archaeological work, encompassing various approaches and tools, was actually significantly more diverse. This diversity extended to the settings and contexts in which these practices unfolded. Our aim is not only to illuminate the varied facets of archaeological endeavours but also to underscore the substantial contributions made by women to the processes of knowledge generation and dissemination. Beyond the traditional focus on fieldwork, our analysis encompasses the myriad tasks and roles associated with administration, knowledge management, publishing, and science communication. We emphasize the overarching goal of bringing visibility to the often-overlooked contributions of female archaeologists.

Keywords

• women
• archaeology
• knowledge production
• gendered work
• germany