30th August 2008, 09:04 PM
Call me stupid, but it took me ages to realise that there was supposed to be a problem between metal detectorists and archaeologists and I still can't for the life of me figure out why. I think Hosty's right, the many archaeologists who quietly take an interest ought to be more open about it and then maybe it won't seem so strange and maybe we'll realise that this divide is artificial. You've certainly got me thinking.
Do North Americans have the same divide? I'm curious because they rely more on spatial distribution than we do. Detectorists I've met are genuinely keen for their treasure to fit into the big picture, so it seems to be as much our fault for overfixating on verticle strat. We certainly don't have the monopoly of the big picture.
Hosty, you deserve a three cheers for making a space where detectorists feel welcome!
Do North Americans have the same divide? I'm curious because they rely more on spatial distribution than we do. Detectorists I've met are genuinely keen for their treasure to fit into the big picture, so it seems to be as much our fault for overfixating on verticle strat. We certainly don't have the monopoly of the big picture.
Hosty, you deserve a three cheers for making a space where detectorists feel welcome!