Behind the Scenes and on the Stage: The Women Who Shaped Archaeology

This collection contains the abstracts of the papers presented in the session entitled "Behind the Scenes and on the Stage: The Women Who Shaped Archaeology" at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This session aims to reflect on the overlooked contributions of women to archaeology from the early 19th to late 20th centuries. From art collectors to illustrators, to professors, women have played a forgotten role in the development of archaeology, shaping the discipline through various activities beyond writing about new discoveries, fieldwork and novel theories. The session will address two key issues: the intersectionality of women’s experiences in archaeology, considering how gender, sexual identity, class, ethnicity, and other factors influenced their roles; and the multifaceted nature of archaeological practice, where women’s contributions extended to behind-the-scenes work in archaeological societies, fieldwork documentation, and public dissemination of knowledge. Additionally, the session will explore women’s professional presence in museums, universities, and heritage offices, examining whether they worked in the spotlight or behind the scenes. Ultimately, the goal is to bring visibility to female archaeologists' significant, yet often unacknowledged, impact on the discipline. Sponsored by WAIG and the Herstory project, this session seeks to broaden the understanding of archaeology as a diverse and inclusive practice.