Caroline Sloan

Caroline Sloan, PhD student, Archaeology, University of Reading

Areas of interest

  • Upper Palaeolithic Art
  • European Prehistory
  • Human Evolution
  • Gender Archaeology 

 

Research projects

Representation of the menopause life course in the Upper Palaeolithic

In modern culture, female aging and menopause often carry societal stigma.  However, the physiological shifts driven by declining oestrogen—including weight redistribution to the abdomen and buttocks, and sagging breasts from breastfeeding—symbolise a woman's vital contribution to her lineage.  In my research, I propose that these physical transformations inspired the Upper Palaeolithic "Venus" figurines discovered across Europe.  Rather than representing youthful fertility, the distinct anatomical features of these sculptures closely align with the menopausal and postpartum female body.  By analysing both medical and archaeological evidence, my study aims to demonstrate that these ancient artefacts represent women navigating the menopausal transition.

Supervisors:

Professor Rob Hosfield (University of Reading)

Professor Mary Lewis (University of Reading)

Background

I received my BA (Hons) and MA in Archaeology from the University of Reading.  My MA dissertation was an analysis of the recognition of archaeology by military units, with a focus on conflicts in southwest Asia.  This work on cultural property protection led me to become a member of Blue Shield International.  Although most of my career has taken me away from archaeology and has included owning and operating a cattle farm in New Zealand whilst managing the rural office of a law firm; organising events for high profile individuals at Cliveden House Hotel and hosting a private suite at Silverstone for F1 and motorsport events; piloting uncrewed underwater vehicles for the National Oceanography Centre; and for the past six years working in the space industry for UK Space Command and most recently as the Head of Business Operations for Stellar Solutions Aerospace Limited.  My favourite experience was volunteering at the Natural History Museum, under the Quaternary Mammals Curator, Andy Currant, in the Department of Palaeontology. Collaborating on the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain project I ran my own laboratory analysing cave samples and identifying small mammals from fossil evidence to determine environmental factors affecting anatomically modern humans during the last glacial period.  I am a STEM Ambassador and enjoy speaking to primary, secondary, and university students about my varied career path and my passion for archaeology.  I am the Deputy Curator (volunteer) at the Hook Norton Village Museum, working alongside Dr Fiona Kerlogue.

Websites/blogs

Publications

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