The Role of Experiences in Valuing Metal-Detecting Finds among Finnish Hobbyists

Abstract

This article focuses on survey responses and Finnish metal-detector hobbyists’ thoughts on finds that are not taken into archaeological collections. Such finds are usually post-medieval artefacts that could potentially be relevant for historical and contemporary archaeology in the future. Analysis of the survey responses suggests that metal detectorists are actively creating stories around objects and the sites where they are found. Together with the discovery event, these stories shape the detectorists’ relationship with the objects and thus with the past. Understanding the detectorists’ emotional approach to finds and the hobby may help build a shared understanding and thus provide tools for successful collaboration. At the same time, it is essential to consider how different approaches to finds and find locations may affect archaeological contexts and data.

Keywords:

• historical archaeology
• contemporary archaeology
• metal detecting
• emotions
• objects
• survey

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank Professor Anna Wessman (University Museum of Bergen) and the two anonymous reviewers for their comments on the manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ulla Moilanen

Ulla Moilanen is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. She specializes in burial archaeology and interdisciplinary research of mortuary culture from the Iron Age to the Early Modern period. She has also experience in archaeological fieldwork, heritage management, historical archaeology, and collaboration with metal detectorists.