Inside the Archiologist Brain We Go.

    This paper  addresses the Ill effects Metal Detectors have on the Preservation of Historical sites.   
 
    After reading and venting off some steam I came up with some conclusions of my own. 

 

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     So it seems the Artifacts are better left in the ground untouched never to be seen or preserved to continue the path of decay ?  I see two sides to this fence.  The Archeologist wish to be the sole entity   having the options of discovery or not to discover.  Upon discovery said objects will be cataloged recorded in some obscure book , ledger or data bank.  What  benefit is it to humanity knowing that Johnny Rebel or Hank the Yank carried his dinner spoon in his butt pocket ?   My guess is about .00000001%  of any finds will find there way to a museum and be available for public viewing or be recorded in some fashion to benefit the public. Else will be stored until re-lost in some universities basement or museum box never to see the light of day again.

On the Other Hand !

     Mr/Mrs Metal Detector persons could enjoy a day or week end of First Hand Discovery in the fields locating trinkets and bob to be admired, talked about , viewed by others and  possibly passed on for generations.  On occasions something of Major monetary value may show up benefiting the locator and family and Yes, the Tax man.  This type of find would surely become known to the Archeologist as to locations and other info to their gain of knowledge.  We all know the Arch's pay taxes on there finds Right ?  Somethings the Archeologist would consider just another mini ball or belt belt buckle would mean the golden find of the day to some other Mr/Mrs Metal Detector persons.  Again to be shared with friends, family , clubs or groups for years.

    So ?  Who's to benefit here ?   The Elite Academia and Universities not so willing to share with the Owners of said history?    The Owners of said history ?   Or Both ?   Why can't the two work together ?   Universities simply don't have the funding or the gumption to get out and do the dirty work it seems.  Mr/Mrs Metal Detectorist do.   How about opening these area's up to the public with strict reporting procedures of locations and finds ?  A understanding of finders retain control of any Monetary Values of said finds.  Unlike the U.K. System were the Queen Owns all and decides who keeps what and is rewarded what set values.  LOL Never was keen on that Idea ..


Just a Idle Mind Wondering.

HF


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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,65054.msg317512.html#msg317512

I have to agree with you on this subject, Homefire!  In college I earned a BS degree in History and am currently just a few hours short of a BS degree in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archeology.  Also worked on a number of archaeological digs under University direction and control.  The academic attitude of most professionals in the archeological field is a disgrace.  Under the auspices of government and academic control they seem to think everything belongs to them "to save for the public."  They seem to forget that we the people ARE the government, and we ARE the "public."  Having said all that, there is a growing number of pro Archaeologists who also disagree with the professional opinion that it belongs to them and academia.  Unfortunately for the "public" they are still too far and few among the professionals.

To clarify my background, I never had a job as a historian or an archaeologist, partly because of the that weird professional attitude of Us against them.  Personally, I found it much more rewarding and fun to go out and swing a metal detector, enjoy and share the finds, and write articles for the hobby magazines for a number of years.  I worked a number of jobs in home construction, wood manufacturing and retired from the US Postal Service with a 30 year retirement.  At age 70 I probably won't go back and finish the second degree, but I still get a lot of enjoyment from getting out and swinging a detector and enjoying "our" finds!

Keep bringing these kinds of subjects up!  I really enjoyed this one!

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http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,65054.msg317516.html#msg317516

ArfieBoy

That is SO true!

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ArfieBoy

I have seen some of the collections, and sales of things by or educated friends. The rub to me, is how do you know what your digging before you dig it. I see a lot of lead and stuff like mercury could be removed if folks could detect and dredge. Also real archaeology starts at 3 feet. Detectors do not go that deep, most dont. Just my opinion. I dont want to live in a museum. I dont sell what I find. What these laws and monuments and preserves have done is make me want to stay away from them. I like to detect. If I cant detect, I dont go. Since there is more of us detecting then there is educated ones, they are loosing a great resource by not using us.

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Arizona has the strictest laws in the country, I've tried for years to work with them but those are some deaf ears. Even broken glass is illegal to remove from public lands.
I've moved to the private sector with great results. I've dug and reclaimed over 12 trash dumps. Most from 1880+. I took our gov. Officials out to all the bottle dumps on there land, some needed the cap fixed. They did nothing to protect these locations so I give up.
    In two years I have so many detecting and bottle dumps to keep me busy full time.

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