Pride Month 2026: Archaeology from a new perspective

The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is once again celebrating international Pride Month this June. This time, there will be several themed stations that illuminate archaeological finds from a new perspective. The focus is on ancient graves and new questions: Who was buried how? And what does that tell us about gender roles in the past? 

For many decades, graves were interpreted according to simple patterns: Weapons were seen as evidence of men, jewelry as evidence of women. However, modern research shows that the past was significantly more complex. New scientific methods, such as DNA or tooth enamel analyses, are fundamentally changing our understanding of gender, identity, and societal roles in prehistory. 

A particularly well-known example of this is the “Bad Dürrenberg shaman”. When the roughly 9,000-year-old grave was discovered in 1934, it was initially thought that prestigious grave goods such as a stone axe and weapons suggested it belonged to a male ruler. Only later did anthropological and genetic studies clearly prove that it was a woman. Today, this burial is considered one of the most striking examples of how strongly archaeological interpretations can be influenced by societal perceptions. 

The museum’s themed stations invite visitors to take a closer look and critically examine stereotypical gender roles. They show that history has not always been unambiguous or rigid – and that diversity is not a modern phenomenon but has always been a part of human societies. 

With its Pride Month contribution, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is sending a message of openness, visibility, and scientific curiosity. As a part of the South Tyrolean Provincial Museums, it makes the message clear that museums do not just preserve the past – they also help us rethink current societal issues. 

You can learn more about Pride Month in the South Tyrolean Provincial Museums here (available in German and Italian).

Tip: Have you heard about our Family Ticket? It’s valid for 2 adults with children and offers a discount for all families. 

Photo: Flags on the facade of the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology © South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology