Vom Germanenerbe zum Urkommunismus: Urgeschichtsbilder in Museen der SBZ und DDR

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) used prehistory to legitimize the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) regime. Museums were tasked with shifting from an ethnic-nationalist to a Marxist conception of prehistory, using exhibition photos to analyze the depiction and discourses that led to the alteration or persistence of related concepts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 405 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2022
Publisher: De Gruyter

In the German Democratic Republic (GDR), prehistory played a significant role in the national narrative, serving to legitimize the dictatorial regime of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). However, the socialist conception of prehistory faced a challenging ideological legacy, particularly in the aftermath of the notions of 'German prehistory' propagated during the National Socialist period. Museums were entrusted with the task of navigating a politically prescribed shift from an ethnic-nationalist perspective on prehistory to a Marxist one. This doctoral project employs an extensive collection of exhibition photos to analyze the representation of prehistory in museums in the Soviet Occupation Zone and the GDR, as well as the discourses that shaped or perpetuated related concepts.

The GDR's prehistory was closely intertwined with the regime's ideology, as it was used to promote the party's vision of a socialist society. The SED saw prehistory as a tool to unite the German people and create a shared cultural heritage, which could be used to reinforce the party's control over the population.

However, the socialist conception of prehistory came with its own set of challenges. During the National Socialist period, the regime had promoted a racist and nationalist interpretation of German history, which included a glorification of the Germanic past and a denigration of other ethnic groups. This ideology had a profound impact on the way prehistory was interpreted and presented in the GDR.

Museums in the GDR were tasked with reconciling the socialist ideology with the legacy of National Socialism. They were required to present prehistory in a way that was both accurate and politically acceptable. This often meant that museums had to revise their interpretation of prehistory to align with the party's ideology.

One of the ways that museums attempted to navigate this complex terrain was through the use of exhibition photos. Exhibition photos were a powerful tool for museums to convey their message to the public, and they were often used to promote a particular narrative or ideology. In the case of prehistory, museums used exhibition photos to depict prehistory as a part of the German people's shared cultural heritage, and to promote the idea that prehistory was a progressive and forward-looking period.

However, the use of exhibition photos also had its limitations. Museums were often constrained by political and economic factors, which meant that they had limited resources to invest in their exhibitions. This could lead to a lack of diversity in the representation of prehistory, as museums tended to focus on the most popular or politically significant periods of prehistory.

Furthermore, the use of exhibition photos could also perpetuate the legacy of National Socialism. Museums were often reluctant to challenge the regime's interpretation of prehistory, as this could lead to backlash from the government or other political groups. This could lead to a sanitization of prehistory, as museums were afraid to present the full range of historical events and perspectives.

Despite these challenges, museums in the GDR did make some progress in presenting prehistory in a more diverse and accurate way. One of the most significant achievements was the establishment of the Prehistory Museum in Berlin in 1961. The Prehistory Museum was the first museum in the GDR to focus exclusively on prehistory, and it was designed to present prehistory in a way that was both accurate and accessible to the public.

The Prehistory Museum was staffed by a team of experts who were committed to presenting prehistory in a way that was both scholarly and engaging. The museum's exhibitions featured a wide range of artifacts and exhibits, including prehistoric sculptures, pottery, and tools. The museum also used a variety of media, including film, audio, and interactive displays, to engage visitors and promote a deeper understanding of prehistory.

In addition to the Prehistory Museum, other museums in the GDR also made efforts to present prehistory in a more diverse and accurate way. For example, the Museum of East German History in Berlin presented prehistory as part of a broader narrative of German history, which included the **** period and the post-war period. The museum also used a variety of media, including film, audio, and interactive displays, to engage visitors and promote a deeper understanding of German history.

Overall, the representation of prehistory in museums in the GDR was a complex and multifaceted issue. Museums were tasked with navigating a politically prescribed shift from an ethnic-nationalist perspective on prehistory to a Marxist one, while also dealing with the legacy of National Socialism. Despite these challenges, museums in the GDR did make some progress in presenting prehistory in a more diverse and accurate way, and the establishment of the Prehistory Museum in Berlin was a significant milestone in this process.

Weight: 990g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110760866