Animals and their archaeology, or (non-)human past in the museum

Archaeological exhibitions from the last decade reveal a shift in the paradigm of thinking about the past. The role of humans in the narrative about prehistoric times has been decentralised in order to: (1) acknowledge and appreciate the part played by animals; and (2) make visitors more sensitive to the human vs. non-human being-in-the-world. By promoting symmetrical relationships between animals and humans, new archaeological exhibitions correspond to the most recent trends in the theory of archaeology: symmetrical archaeology, relational archaeology, and archaeological animal studies. Through implementing the demands of the current theoretical trends, the exhibitions are in line with the anthropocenic turn in museums displays and the humanities. Two examples of engaged critical archaeological museum studies are discussed: Neues Museum in Berlin and Lascaux IV – Center International de l’Art Pariétal. By joining the discussion on relations between humans and non-humans, biodiversity and past environments, they prompt a reflection on contemporary human attitude to nature and the current condition of the Earth