Rational Grounds for Dialogue Between Archaeologists and Metal Detectorists in Spain

Abstract

Abstract:The sudden emergence of metal-detector users and subsequent swelling of their numbers rocked the field of professional archaeology due to the impact that the use of metal detectors has on the conservation of archaeological heritage. The situation has led to confrontation, polarisation and mistrust on both sides. These problems are particularly severe in countries such as Spain, where the law does not allow the unauthorised use of these devices. However, merely enforcing the law is not enough to resolve such conflicts, just as encouraging 'treasure hunting' is no solution either. This paper uses sociological models to explain the lack of communication and distance between the two groups with a view to finding principles that can be used to establish rational grounds for communication. Here 'rational grounds' is understood to mean foundations that will enable the convergence of the different interests whilst at the same time respecting the social function of archaeological heritage. To this end, a model is suggested based on a new wave of scientific communication aimed at including detectorists in archaeological research projects. The Decline of Amateur Archaeology and the Rise of the DetectoristAs in most of its neighbouring countries, in Spain the first people to engage in archaeological activities were amateurs, meaning they collected and studied antiquities in their spare time and in addition to their main occupations. By the second half of the 19 th century, professional archaeologists had come to exist alongside amateurs and collectors, although the latter still outnumbered the former in the main institutions dedicated to the protection of antiquities.Until relatively recently, the gap left by the lack of a professional government department of culture other than museums was filled by honorary appointments of local amateurs and local-history experts, whose main role consisted in collecting random archaeological finds and performing small-scale digs. The programme Misión Rescate, broadcast between 1967 and 1980 on Spanish television (Televisión Española [TVE]) and radio (Radio Nacional de España [RNE]), was the final instalment in this institutionalisation of amateur archaeology. The programme encouraged schools to form teacher-led groups of pupils for the Original StudyOpen Access

Metal detecting as a social formation: A longitudinal survey study from Finland

“…Firstly, there are works which evaluate the negative and positive effects of the hobby on archaeological heritage (e.g. Deckers, 2013; Gundersen, 2016; Henriksen, 2005; Hollowell-Zimmer, 2003; Karl, 2016; Lecroere, 2016; Lingström, 2014; Rodríguez Temiño, 2016; Thomas and Stone, 2009; van der Schriek and van der Schriek, 2014; Wessman et al., 2016). Secondly, and closely related to the first category, are publications scrutinising related legislation (e.g.…”

Forgotten Pilots, Airfields and Aircraft: A Transdisciplinary Approach to the Memory of the Republican Air Force During the Spanish Civil War (1936–39)

“…A similar link between archaeological proxy and activity was made with maintenance spots as the surveys found repair spots with several thin aluminium sheets used to cover fuselage holes caused by enemy guns (Rojo, et al, 2011) It is worth noting that these activities had the support of local interest groups and hobbyist metal detectorists in the region. This was a conflictive issue because there is a large community of amateur metal detectorists in Catalonia which often loot conflict-related sites, despite this being illegal under both Spanish and Catalan legislation (Alay i Rodríguez, 2016;Yáñez, 2016). It has been argued elsewhere that the negative impact of illegal artefact looting can be somehow countered by effective collaboration and education on the problems caused by unrecorded findings (Ferguson, 2013;Rodríguez Temiño, 2016;Schriek & Schriek, 2014).…”

“…This was a conflictive issue because there is a large community of amateur metal detectorists in Catalonia which often loot conflict-related sites, despite this being illegal under both Spanish and Catalan legislation (Alay i Rodríguez, 2016;Yáñez, 2016). It has been argued elsewhere that the negative impact of illegal artefact looting can be somehow countered by effective collaboration and education on the problems caused by unrecorded findings (Ferguson, 2013;Rodríguez Temiño, 2016;Schriek & Schriek, 2014). This project used an active role in terms of promoting the value of cultural heritage for the local community through a reflexive approach on the cost of war and the experiences of the individuals involved in the conflict (both military personnel and civilians living near the airfields).…”