matriarchal archaeology

Matriarchal archaeology studies ancient societies that may have been organized around women’s roles or leadership, often indicated by artifacts, burial sites, and settlement patterns. It seeks to understand if women held central social, religious, or political power and how gender dynamics shaped cultural development. While research is ongoing and interpretations vary, it aims to explore the possibility of early matriarchal structures and challenge assumptions about male-dominated hierarchies in prehistoric times. This field combines archaeological evidence with gender studies to shed light on diverse human social organization throughout history.