what best to record?

[celticchris]

Hi,
I was just wondering what the archaeologists view is regarding metal detectorists' finds recording.
Aside from obvious indicators like NGR,is the depth of a find actually valid?, is the soil condition/type of value? Also things like scattered oyster shells, other fragments of pottery etc?

[monitor lizard]

Hello CC and happy Wednesday time to leave work to you

General rule of thumb has to be to record anything - you don't know what may or may not turn out to be relevant in the end, and you can always chuck out superflourous (oh I wish I could spell) information later.

All of the things you've mentioned would, for example, indicate if you've disturbed a primary deposit or are just in subsoil. Surrounding artefacts and ecofacts can give and idea of what was going on - are you in a pit? a burial? or has there been a lot of random manuring that has introduced finds material to the area? Everthing that can expand on the context of your find really should be recorded.

Not being rude, but have you ever had the opportunity to visit an archaeological site, or at least some records from one? That would give you an idea of the sort of recording level that is standard.

Running away from the office to the garden now...

ML

[celticchris]

thanks for reply - no, not been to a real dig as such.(but would really enjoy the opportunity!) How would i go about actually finding one locally? - I still think people (not necessarily archaeologists) would wonder what I was up to, 'just wanting to have a look' doesn't seem too valid a reason, but I may be wrong....

The nearest I've been to real archaeology was viewing a mosaic being reconstructured/repairedin Pathos, Cyprus - unfortunately my interest fell on deaf ears as I didn't speak the language! (despite my animated motions!)

I was, however present at the uncovering of a kiln during a detecting rally last year - it made it into the hobby magazines and I did wonder at the time if any archaeological protocols (are their any?) had been followed - I believe an FLO was in attendance but I may be wrong

I suppose also the amount of data recorded has to be balanced against what would potentially be recorded if an archaeological dig was to take place, based on a detectorists finds for instance - would this data, if made available by the detectorist be compiled with a dig report, or would they remain separate?