Parvin Barzin

Parvin Barzin (; c. 1919/20–2003/04) was an Iranian archaeologist, museum curator and scholar. She was a pioneering woman in Iranian archaeology and museology, and Iranian biographical sources describe her as the first woman to serve as an official representative of the Iranian government on an archaeological excavation. During David Stronach's first season of excavations at Pasargadae in 1961, Barzin served as the representative of the Iranian Archaeological Department.

Early life and education Barzin was born in Tehran in 1298 SH (1919–20). Her mother died when she was young, and she and her two brothers were raised by their father, an employee of the Ministry of Industries and Arts. His work took the family to Isfahan, where Barzin completed her secondary education at the Behesht Ayin school.

After secondary school, Barzin joined the newly established Museum of Ancient Iran, later incorporated into the National Museum of Iran, initially working as a translator. While employed at the museum she pursued university studies. Although initially interested in languages and law, she turned to archaeology following the encouragement of archaeologist and museum director Mohammad Taqi Mostafavi. She studied archaeology at the University of Tehran and was the only woman in her class according to later biographical accounts. A 1960 staff list published by the University Museum identifies "Parvin Barzin" as a student assistant in its Near Eastern Section. Iranian biographical sources state that she received specialist training in museology during her stay in Pennsylvania.

Barzin participated in the first season of the British Institute of Persian Studies excavations at Pasargadae, directed by David Stronach from 16 October to 16 December 1961. In his preliminary report, Stronach described "Miss Parveen Barzin" as "an experienced member of the staff of the National Museum in Tehran" who acted as the representative of the Archaeological Department.

Selected publications include:

"نقوش انسان بر روی ظروف سفالین از قرن سوم تا هشتم هجری" ("Human figures on ceramic vessels from the third to the eighth centuries AH"), Honar o Mardom, 1963–64.

Death and legacy Barzin died in 1382 SH (2003–04). She is remembered in Iranian biographical literature as one of the early women to establish a professional career in both archaeology and museum work in Iran.