1.5 Overview of "Responsible Artefact Hunting"


This resource sets out what may be considered responsible artefact hunting in connection with the collection of archaeological artefacts in the United Kingdom. Since the texts are rather extensive, and go beyond what is, apparently, the only existing definition of the concept of "responsible [metal detecting]", for clarity this section offers an overview of the aspects covered here. The introductory section (texts 1.1, 2,3 and 4 above) briefly introduce what the term "responsible" means and briefly introduces the source of the conflict between the needs of artefact hunting and those of the preservation of the historical environment and the archaeological record. Here "responsible artefact hunting" can only be one that would take into account that the archaeological record should not be selfishly consumed to serve the needs of an individual using it for a single purpose (as a repository of collectables) but should take into account its other potential use and users.

The second section deals with the nature of archaeology and its relationship with collecting as a background to discussing how to responsibly use it as a source of collectable items. Several aspects of this are covered separately (2.1; 2.2  ; 2.3 ; 2.4 ; 2.5; 2.6)

 The third section looks in more detail at the concept of The Archaeological Record and then different manifestations of that (3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7) as a background to discussing how to responsibly use it as a source of collectable items.

 The fourth section enlarges on What the archaeological record looks like in the Ground ; How The Archaeological Record Forms (with two additional aspects addressed 4.3;  and 4.4). These again are necessary as a background to discussing how to responsibly use it as a source of collectable items.

The fifth and sixth sections discuss how one can responsibly approach the collection of artefacts on archaeological sites:

5.1: Artefact Hunting on Stratified Sites (with 5.2: Archaeological Excavation Reading List ).

 The sixth section deals with the issues of artefact hunting on  6.1: Surface Sites Since a lot of artefact hunting takes place on such sites, a number of texts are devoted to several aspects of the issue (6.2; 6.3; 6.4; 6.5; 6.6; 6.7) with 6.7: A Surface Survey Reading List .

 The seventh section takes as its starting point that a discovery only dates from its description and dissemination. 7.1: Interpreting and Documenting Archaeological Information and here is a reference to gaining more knowledge in these fields:  7.2: The Archaeology Skills Passport 

 Any discussion of best practice for collection-driven exploitation of the archaeological record must focus on the collection that drives the whole process. Section 8 therefore looks at the notion of the "Responsible Artefact Collector" . It makes mention of  A Code of Ethics for Collectors of Ancient Artefacts and also such issues as responsibly  Acquiring and Documenting Title  , Selling Archaeological Finds , as well as Selling 'Scrap Metal' .

Section 9 continues the discussion of the private artefact collection and argues that conditions of curation should not be inferior to those of an institution. It therefore covers areas such as Curating Archaeological Information as a Personal Collection , Storage and Preservation of a Collection, Documentation of Artefact Collections, Access to Information, Collection management , and issues connected with the Disposal of a Collection .

 The tenth section discusses the only 'official' document to define "responsible artefact hunting" (A 'Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting') and the issue of commercial artefact hunting and metal detecting rallies

 There is also a Summary at the end. 

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