Stereotypes

Neanderthal Museum
November 2024 – November 2025
Mettmann, Germany

Stereotypes (stereo: fixed; type: image, form, kind) exist in many areas of life. They are generalised and simplified ideas that can influence our thoughts, expectations and even our understanding of our history. Exhibitions, films, books and pictures usually focus on male Neanderthals. Their depictions reflect stereotypes of the strong Neanderthal man. But does this do justice to the diverse Neanderthal communities?

The exhibition Stereotypes Female Neanderthals looks at Neanderthals as a whole and sheds light on what we know about Neanderthal women, children and older people and where there are still gaps in our knowledge.