The study of ancient artifacts helps to understand how humans have viewed and practiced sex throughout history. Archaeologists analyze pottery, jewelry, artwork, bones, and clothing for signs that people were homosexual, bisexual, or polyamorous. They examine burial sites to see whether males lay together and uncover graves to find whether some couples had multiple partners. They look at mythology and poetry to learn about love and desire in past societies. These sources suggest that some premodern cultures accepted same-sex attraction, while others stigmatized it. In some regions, people expressed their desires through gender roles or rituals rather than physical acts. Many peoples worshipped fertility gods who blessed women's wombs. Some groups believed that male beauty was feminine and women should act masculine. Some tribes celebrated cross-dressing. Sex toys and erotic art reveal how some ancients experienced pleasure. By studying these artifacts, archaeologists can better appreciate the diversity of human sexual experience.
Artifacts from Mesoamerica suggest that many people embraced sexual diversity. Maya vases depict two men kissing or holding hands. Their tomb paintings show warriors who may be transgender. Aztecs honored deities with same-sex relationships. Pottery shows that Incas expected children to play with dolls and knit. The Moche created images of men masturbating or having anal intercourse. Some African kingdoms revered female monarchs who had sex with both genders.
Other ancient civilizations condemned such behavior as sinful. Greek pottery shows men having sex with boys. Roman paintings celebrate homosexuality, but laws punished it. Europeans burned accused sodomites and destroyed their books. Muslim scholars banned homosexuality, but poets described passion between men. Chinese literature describes bisexuality, but only males could legally marry. Ancient India worshipped goddesses who enjoyed sex, but penalized adulterers and same-sex relations.
Archaeologists learn about ancient people by examining their material culture. They find evidence in buried items, architecture, and stories. This knowledge helps us understand the past and appreciate its complexity. It also makes us reconsider our assumptions about sexuality and gender. We should remember that not all cultures were repressed or progressive. People around the world have always expressed themselves through art, religion, and ritual. Their histories are diverse and fascinating. We can use archaeology to appreciate this diversity and gain insight into human nature.
How can archaeological evidence inform our understanding of premodern sexual diversity?
Archaeologists have long sought to understand human sexuality through studying ancient artifacts and remains. By analyzing skeletal remains for signs of sex hormones, reproductive organs, and genitalia, as well as excavating artifacts such as pottery with phallic imagery or figurines that suggest gender identities beyond male and female, they have made significant contributions to our knowledge of how people may have understood their sexuality in premodern times.