15th January 2008, 10:52 PM
Quote:quote:Originally posted by Austin AinsworthThanks Austin... some very good points there.
Gary,
finds in the topsoil have been an issue for archaeologists for a number of years, their migration from archaeological contexts and their use as identfiers of potential sites is not a new issue. Studies have shown that topsoil finds do not migrate very far from the point of deposition, therefore all finds regardless of their 'found' environment, not just the non-ferrous metallic component of a finds assemblage, are of interest to archaeologists.
It is of increasing value for field archaeologists to have a CSCS card, perhaps if detectorists also held a similar H&S qualification they could demonstrate that they understood a similar level of basic site awareness.
Detectorists may enjoy a similar level of professional respect as archaeologists if they undertook a degree course in their subject, if such a thing exists. If not, build the metal detector hobby to a point where it stops being a hobby and becomes a discipline in its own right. You would have to build this level of interest to a point where universities are willing to offer courses in the subject, this took archaeology many years to achieve so be prepared to lobby hard.
A DVD advising archaeologists on the correct metal detecting machinery to buy and its usage would be most helpful, perhaps you could make this DVD in conjunction with the many qualified archaeologists who are already metal detector owners and who use metal detectors on archaeological sites as a part of their normal working day.
If you ever wondered how you get triangles from a cow, you need buttermilk and cheese and an equilateral chainsaw. Half Man Half Biscuit
I thought the studies showed that they did migrate ( I'm talking about under the plough).
I don't pertain to be an archaeologist and know the ins and outs of archaeology. But I am willing to learn along with many other fellow detectorists. But it needs to be spelt out not in a non condincending way. Down to earth talk and that my interest in heritage is a valid as your own. Many detecorists are basic working class people.. you cant talk in degree speak (this is not meant to be offencive)the message needs to be down to earth and with respect for the person you are talking too. Britarch is a hard place if you cant talk the talk.
I work in the Event business and can communicate with any director and meet him at his own level (on forums I am not that clever as my writing abilities leave a lot to be desired). You are passionate in what you do and stand up for what you believe as do I and many others like us. But too many detecting is a hobby and just a hobby. We can debate that it is a damaging hobby... and in the wrong hands is a lethal machine to the heritage but its still gets us back to the divisions and brings nothing forward.
I was talking to David about creating a national database of detectorists who would be willing to help on archaeological digs. Maybe some form of online training would be of benefit and cover "site awareness". Does the amateur archaeologists have this regarding HS???
The DVD will be produced later in the year with well known archaeologists and is on the drawing board. Maybe a separate thread on what people would like to see would be of benefit?
Website for responsible Metal Detecting
http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording Our Heritage For Future Generations.