Session: #236

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
5. Assembling archaeological theory and the archaeological sciences
Session format:
Regular session

Title & Content

Title:
Representation matters – Diversity in Visual Representations of the Past
Content:
Visual representation of the past are powerful tools to communicate archaeological research to the general public. Image of the past can be found in popular media as well as in museums, books, and heritage communication, to name a few. These images shape not only the popular perception of the past, but also the popular understanding of archaeological scientific work.
In the last few years, the representation of men, women and children in the visual picture of the past has been discussed in detail. However, other aspects of diversity and intersectionality still remain underrepresented, namely the representation of people of color, disabled individuals, and the elderly.
Therefore, important members of society are often missing in visual representations of Europeans past. This is especially important as past individuals could serve as integrative links in museums, books and documentations. Representation and visibility in the past matters as much as it does in the present.
In this session, we would like to ask for contributions focusing on the diversity of past societies in visual representation and popular science communication. What representation exists, especially for marginalized groups? In which ways are they displayed and in what roles are they represented? Do these create a true representation of the past that can be linked to the archaeological record or do they fall into stereotypes?
Keywords:
Museum, Education, Diversity, Scicomm
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:

Organisers

Main organiser:
Nicola Scheyhing (Germany) 1
Co-organisers:
Doris Gutsmiedl-Schümann (Germany) 2
Jo Zalea Matias (United States) 3
Affiliations:
1. Seminar of Oriental Archaeology and Art History, Martin-Luther-University Halle
2. Department of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhems-University Bonn
3. Department of Social Science, Wilbur Wright College Chicago