14th December 2007, 11:37 PM
Think on this thought provoking post!
Comments?
I believe the issue of compulsory recording and/or an outright ban really is too complex to examine in just a few hundred words. Since the hobby seems to be at some sort of (PAS induced) crisis point, perhaps it is time for a few home truths.
1. The hobby is not perfect. Although it enables ordinary citizens to discover history for themselves, sometimes, it is exploited by thieves and other unscrupulous individuals for personal gain. I would go so far as to say that very many hobbyists never share what they find with the landowner, let alone the government and as such, the 100% recording of finds will always be something that the hobby can only aspire to. There ARE other online avenues for recording open to detectorists and the 'finders keepers' ethos is something that most agree is an out-dated viewpoint. Metal detecting very often leaves the moral and legal obligations in the hands of the detectorist. Sadly, these obligations are subject to human nature and thereby are (in turn), subject to differing social values. There will always be hobbyists who choose not to record their finds and/or report potential treasure. That's life. But I would urge all those who hold those views to come forward and say their piece - it is their very silence that will destroy the hobby as we enjoy it today.
2. It's not all bad news. Metal detecting is without a doubt Britain's most effecient vehicle for archaeological discovery, the recovery of treasure AND Britain's first true 'Community Archaeology' project. Do you think we recieve commensurate credit for that from the professionals? Not a bit of it - to many of them, we are still an ill-disciplined army of treasure hunters out there for our own personal gain. But every time I see the faces of those viewing the Hoxne treasure in the BM, I know that honest British detectorists deserve to hold their heads high. Furthermore, you don't have to discover a national treasure to contribute positively to our common heritage. Among that army of ill-disciplined rogues are an increasing number of detectorists who contribute to very many archaeological projects. They selflessly search, dig and donate whatever they find to the project in question, often without any reward at all, aside from knowing that they have given far more than their spare time. Truly a model for us all.
Archaeological publications don't like to 'big-up' treasures of national importance that were discovered by hobbyists. In Mick Aston's recent article (in Britarch) regarding Anglo-Saxon archaeology in Suffolk, there is ample coverage of the formal archaeology of the region, but when it comes to Hoxne, he naturally mentions the fabulous pre-historic lithic finds associated with the village, but conveniently forgets to mention one of Britain's most famous treasures - discovered by a member of the public out looking for a farmer's hammer with a metal detector. I despise that pompous attitude in heritage professionals, but I have to say that even in the 21st century, it is still very much evident. As such, Mr. Aston declines to acknowledge the increasing role that amateurs will play in future archaeology. What a way to be remembered - looking exclusively backward.
3. The recent announcement of budgetary cuts to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) has caused an almost hysterical reaction from some quarters. Why? Because some have chosen to so closely associate themselves with the scheme that even a blip in the scheme's fortunes is enough to spark panic. How dreadful. As stated elsewhere - detectorists DO NOT require a government funded scheme to speak for them, neither do independent dectorists recognise the discredited 'council' that speaks for the hobby before government. In the 21st century, it is incumbent on all detectorists to come forward and make their voices heard. Let's see the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Those that express views unpalatable to the majority here should be made just as welcome. It is only through airing ALL views that we can honestly face our many critics.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu
Comments?
I believe the issue of compulsory recording and/or an outright ban really is too complex to examine in just a few hundred words. Since the hobby seems to be at some sort of (PAS induced) crisis point, perhaps it is time for a few home truths.
1. The hobby is not perfect. Although it enables ordinary citizens to discover history for themselves, sometimes, it is exploited by thieves and other unscrupulous individuals for personal gain. I would go so far as to say that very many hobbyists never share what they find with the landowner, let alone the government and as such, the 100% recording of finds will always be something that the hobby can only aspire to. There ARE other online avenues for recording open to detectorists and the 'finders keepers' ethos is something that most agree is an out-dated viewpoint. Metal detecting very often leaves the moral and legal obligations in the hands of the detectorist. Sadly, these obligations are subject to human nature and thereby are (in turn), subject to differing social values. There will always be hobbyists who choose not to record their finds and/or report potential treasure. That's life. But I would urge all those who hold those views to come forward and say their piece - it is their very silence that will destroy the hobby as we enjoy it today.
2. It's not all bad news. Metal detecting is without a doubt Britain's most effecient vehicle for archaeological discovery, the recovery of treasure AND Britain's first true 'Community Archaeology' project. Do you think we recieve commensurate credit for that from the professionals? Not a bit of it - to many of them, we are still an ill-disciplined army of treasure hunters out there for our own personal gain. But every time I see the faces of those viewing the Hoxne treasure in the BM, I know that honest British detectorists deserve to hold their heads high. Furthermore, you don't have to discover a national treasure to contribute positively to our common heritage. Among that army of ill-disciplined rogues are an increasing number of detectorists who contribute to very many archaeological projects. They selflessly search, dig and donate whatever they find to the project in question, often without any reward at all, aside from knowing that they have given far more than their spare time. Truly a model for us all.
Archaeological publications don't like to 'big-up' treasures of national importance that were discovered by hobbyists. In Mick Aston's recent article (in Britarch) regarding Anglo-Saxon archaeology in Suffolk, there is ample coverage of the formal archaeology of the region, but when it comes to Hoxne, he naturally mentions the fabulous pre-historic lithic finds associated with the village, but conveniently forgets to mention one of Britain's most famous treasures - discovered by a member of the public out looking for a farmer's hammer with a metal detector. I despise that pompous attitude in heritage professionals, but I have to say that even in the 21st century, it is still very much evident. As such, Mr. Aston declines to acknowledge the increasing role that amateurs will play in future archaeology. What a way to be remembered - looking exclusively backward.
3. The recent announcement of budgetary cuts to the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) has caused an almost hysterical reaction from some quarters. Why? Because some have chosen to so closely associate themselves with the scheme that even a blip in the scheme's fortunes is enough to spark panic. How dreadful. As stated elsewhere - detectorists DO NOT require a government funded scheme to speak for them, neither do independent dectorists recognise the discredited 'council' that speaks for the hobby before government. In the 21st century, it is incumbent on all detectorists to come forward and make their voices heard. Let's see the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Those that express views unpalatable to the majority here should be made just as welcome. It is only through airing ALL views that we can honestly face our many critics.
"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu