Finding transgender identities in the archaeological record

Abstract

This dissertation highlights a gap in archaeology with regard to gender identity. Assumptions of binary gender relating to sex have plagued the literature and interpretation in archaeology. Thus, by means of the case studies of the goddess Ishtar and the site of Hasanlu, this dissertation discusses the possibilities of gender identity in the archaeological record and the human past. The differences and definitions of sex and gender are also described, and bias is studied at length. The aim of the dissertation overall is to highlight these issues and to open the eyes of the reader to possibilities which they may not have thought about previously and create an open discussion on the subject. Some suggestions are made which may help in moving forward with these opened eyes, however, are also open to further suggestions and debate.