Marga Sánchez Romero: Prehistory Was Not Only Violence, but Also Care
In a conversation with Artribune, Marga Sánchez Romero, a feminist archaeologist born in Madrid in 1971 and a Prehistory professor at the University of Granada, contends that prehistory is often inaccurately portrayed as a brutal introduction, overlooking the roles of women and ordinary individuals. She advocates for a focus on care and collaboration for survival, disputing the dominant 'law of the strongest' perspective. Referencing Carlo Ginzburg's 'The Cheese and the Worms' for its influence on archaeological thought, she highlights the 10th-century Birka Viking warrior tomb, which DNA confirmed to be female in 2017, exposing gender biases. Sánchez Romero also critiques the term 'Venuses' for Paleolithic figurines and asserts that agricultural practices introduced inequality approximately 3,500 years ago. Her popular book, 'Prehistorias de mujeres,' seeks to broaden these discussions and promote inclusive narratives in museums.
Key facts
- Marga Sánchez Romero is a professor of Prehistory at the University of Granada and a leading feminist archaeologist in Spain.
- She argues prehistory was not only violent but also characterized by care, cooperation, and solidarity.
- The Birka Viking warrior tomb (10th century) was initially assumed male; DNA analysis in 2017 confirmed the individual was biologically female.
- Paleolithic figurines often called 'Venuses' are diverse and should not be reduced to fertility or mother goddess interpretations.
- Inequality emerged slowly with agriculture; early signs include differentiated grave goods and body ornaments in male elite burials.
- Göbekli Tepe and Karahan Tepe show ritual spaces predating permanent settlements.
- Her book 'Prehistorias de mujeres' has had multiple reprints and a pocket edition.
- Spain has been a leader in gender archaeology over the past 25 years due to strong networks of researchers.
Entities
Artists
- Marga Sánchez Romero
- Carlo Ginzburg
Institutions
- University of Granada
- Artribune
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Birka
- Sweden
- Göbekli Tepe
- Turkey
- Karahan Tepe
- Panoría
- Granada
- Central Europe