| |
|
|
Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is probably the most popular and accessible type of archaeological activity. Many individuals own
metal detectors, which can be bought cheaply or made from kits. Many archaeologists make use of metal detectors
too - they are a very useful addition to the range of site equipment available.
Metal detecting is a form of geophysics - it uses a type of magnetometer to detect metal buried in the soil, which
gives an audio signal over the location. The more sophisticated machines available today can have their detection
range set to screen out certain types of metal, such as iron, allowing them to focus on bronze, copper, silver or
gold. Unlike instruments such as a fluxgate gradiometers, there is no need for elaborate setting-up; the metal
detector is just switched on and is ready for use. It is a useful technique for retrieving metal objects from the
topsoil, although archaeologists would advise against retrieving material from below the topsoil in this way, as
it may still be in its original context, such as a brooch or pin from a burial. Metal detectors are very useful
during excavations for pre-screening layers and features and searching excavated material for metal objects.
Metal detectorists have found some of the most impressive archaeological finds of the last few decades. From
Prehistoric and Roman gold and bronze hoards to weapons and Medieval gold jewels, regular reports of discoveries
appear in the media. If the discovery comes within the terms of the 1996 Treasure Act, the finder and the owner of
the land may receive a proportion of its worth from the appropriate museum. Metal detecting is legal if it is done
with the permission of the landowner (who is the legal owner of any finds), and is not done on a scheduled
(protected) ancient monument [these are very often not marked as such - so it is up to the individual to make sure
a site is not scheduled before they consider detecting on it].
Most metal detectorists are responsible people with a deep interest in the past, many of whom belong to clubs.
Archaeologists have built up a good working relationship with clubs, particularly the finds liaison officers in the
national Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), who work regionally and encourage the reporting and accurate recording
of finds and find spots. Through initiatives like the PAS, thousands of finds have been recorded which otherwise
may have been lost to archaeological research. Archaeologists have been able to respond positively to discoveries
and mount investigative fieldwork at find-spots, which often produces extremely important new evidence. Legitimate
metal detectorists are therefore becoming an integral part of the archaeological community.
Learn more:
- http://www.finds.org.uk
- http://www.britarch.ac.uk/detecting/index.html
Learn more about What happens to finds, and who owns them or return to main Teaching and Learning page.
|
|
|
 |
