26th May 2006, 06:25 PM
Can a metal detectorist record those archaeological deposits from under an opaque level of ploughsoil before they are plouged, or merely recover the metallic component of the debris afterwards? Anyway, at the least if you were only just going for the artefacts, what a "detectorist" would need to do the job properly on this (primarily Neolithic) site would be non-existant 'potsherd detectors' and 'struck flint detectors'. But then, as we keep saying, its not the artefacts alone that is the important thing, but in their context, as is expressed in the Second Aim of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (though Ido not see UKDFD making any reference to it).
glad you aren't talking about detectorists
you are a bit sensitive Paul, that comment was directed at all of us... we ALL have to remember
and phew... look like I am off the hook with financing the project
Now lets see if we can talk about the site without any sly digs at anyone.
The farmer is indeed making a living, but should we rush into recording everything or take stock, give the options to the farmer for set aside and land management, come up with a long term strategy, etc etc.
Thanks for recognising my position Real Job, and I will be the first to agree that I am not always right, and can be persuaded either way. In this case I tend towards the attitude of Newcastle and English Heritage.
This issue has sparked off again, however the offers of help are in no way suggested that that is the way forward, I took it at face value... an offer of help... however in this situation, As we all know, the Neolithic and Melolithic scatters are such that only intensive and detailed recording and field walking would pick up further patterns... Not my preffered option, my preffered option would be a sustainable long term project looking carefully at the lanscape and sites over a decades long period, using multi disciple technology and people.... very much like what is happening... so... keep studying the past around the Henges, in an unrushed, methodical way.
Another day another WSI?
glad you aren't talking about detectorists
you are a bit sensitive Paul, that comment was directed at all of us... we ALL have to remember
and phew... look like I am off the hook with financing the project
Now lets see if we can talk about the site without any sly digs at anyone.
The farmer is indeed making a living, but should we rush into recording everything or take stock, give the options to the farmer for set aside and land management, come up with a long term strategy, etc etc.
Thanks for recognising my position Real Job, and I will be the first to agree that I am not always right, and can be persuaded either way. In this case I tend towards the attitude of Newcastle and English Heritage.
This issue has sparked off again, however the offers of help are in no way suggested that that is the way forward, I took it at face value... an offer of help... however in this situation, As we all know, the Neolithic and Melolithic scatters are such that only intensive and detailed recording and field walking would pick up further patterns... Not my preffered option, my preffered option would be a sustainable long term project looking carefully at the lanscape and sites over a decades long period, using multi disciple technology and people.... very much like what is happening... so... keep studying the past around the Henges, in an unrushed, methodical way.
Another day another WSI?