Monday 6 June 2022

Why Hasn't Archaeology Got These?


It seems that many archaeologists do not see actively striving for the preservation of the archaeological resource to be among their professional obligations, or at least one that for them personally has any kind of priority or urgency. They see "archaeology for all" as a carte blanche laissez faire justification for shrugging their shoulders about the whole thing. But Nature is for all too, no? So why then is it that archaeology still has not evolved anything like the 'Nature First Principles' for people visiting archaeological and historical sites, including those with artefacts occurring near the surface? Why not?
There are 7 extremely simple principles to follow through your outdoor life, whether that’s with your camera or not.
1. Prioritize the well-being of nature over photography.
2. Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
3. Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
4. Use discretion if sharing locations.
5. Know and follow rules and regulations.
6. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
7. Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
Pathetically, in the case of artefact hunting, archaeologists say that simply following the fifth of them is enough to consider that "Responsible artefact hunting" is going on. "No trace" and "leaving places better than you found them" does not mean "fill your holes", but not to rip the artefacts (evidence comprising the site) out of the ground in the first place.

Full descriptions of the principles can be found here.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

From Karen Kelly

I was up atUffington the other day. The hill fort is pocked with little detector holes. Grrrr.

Paul Barford said...

Hi Karen, these should be reported so they at least figure in UK's "rural crime" statistics. If enough people do it, it will turn out that metal detectorists are one of the more frequent perpetrators of rural crime .. and then perhaps lawmakers and media might start taking their looting seriously.

The future of the past is in our hands.

Paul Barford said...

Sorry, I did not recognise the surname... how are you?

 
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