An Ethical Approach
The Detectorist Institute and Foundation
When future historians reflect on the first 100 years of metal detecting, from its initial use to search for artefacts in the 20th century to the present, they will need to weigh the incredible discoveries against the vast majority of finds that were never recorded. Conversely, the wide-scale stripping of topsoil by commercial archaeologists, a rich source of portable heritage and potential dating evidence, is rarely field-walked and detected before developers’ bulldozers are engaged. From a conservation perspective, will historians judge this era of investigation and evaluation through the metal detector and mechanical excavator as a time of remarkable success, or as a great opportunity lost?
Detectorists: Stewards of Our Historical Landscape and Heritage
“This royal throne of kings, this sceptred isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands”
William Shakespeare, globally renowned as a cornerstone of world literature, has been meticulously documented and revered throughout history, embodying the rich heritage of the British Isles. From an ethical perspective, are we, as detectorists, truly adopting best practices to safeguard our cultural and material heritage?
Preserving Material and Cultural History: The Vital Role of Britain’s Portable Antiquities.
The diligent preservation and study of Britain’s portable antiquities are crucial not only for understanding our rich history but also for ensuring that future generations can explore and appreciate the depths of our past.
From Tacitus and Bede to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, the Domesday Book, and Shakespeare, the fascinating history of Great Britain has been thoroughly documented over millennia. However, debates continue today about the accuracy of these accounts, often coloured by the perspectives of religion or the victors.
As we learn from our treasured but dwindling resource of portable antiquities, our journey may gradually lead to a barren countryside, where evidence of our past becomes scarce or vanishes entirely. This underscores the urgent need to preserve these invaluable links to our heritage.
Detectorists as Custodians of Heritage: A New Pathway for Education and Discovery.
At the moment of discovery, the recording of facts can significantly influence or confirm historical narratives. This is particularly true for discoveries like coins and artefacts of all materials that contribute to the archaeological record. For instance, a scatter of musket shot can substantiate the historically documented yet previously undetermined location of a famous Civil War skirmish. Similarly, coins can provide dating evidence that chronicles centuries of activity in a Roman settlement or offer clues about the ancient, unwritten boundaries of Celtic tribes.
Although we are now well into the second half of the ‘century of the metal detectorist’, our approach shifts focus from hobby to heritage, emphasising education and learning. This pathway not only enriches detectorists’ contributions through research and discovery but also aims to forge stronger connections between communities and their history, deepening our collective understanding of heritage.
Join the DIF in our efforts to make a significant impact on heritage conservation.
