The Archaeological Use of Metal Detectors: Advanced Metal Detecting for the Archaeologist & the Use of Avocational Metal Detectorists
Treasure hunters/collectors (avocational metal detectorists) have extensively used metal detectors for some time and those unenlightened activities have tainted their less destructive scientific and pedagogical applications. When used in a systematic and controlled manner, metal detectors of quality may have particularly insightful results in many archaeological situations in conjunction with, and over and above, current/traditional survey and excavation schemes.
This presentation will de-mystify the technologies and the machinery and will further demonstrate their simple use and applications, with an emphasis on simple, uncomplicated, and the immediate use of the equipment. The proper and efficient archaeological usage of the equipment will be demonstrated using a recent case study where extensive standard test pits (STPs) were first used and then similarly systematic metal detecting was subsequently utilized on the same site. An additional case study will demonstrate the effectiveness of using hobbyist metal detectorists in archaeological projects.
Mark Michael Ludlow M.A. RPA, is currently a Ph.D. student in Archaeology at The School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology at The University of Wales – Trinity Saint David, Wales, in the United Kingdom. He also has a B.A. in anthropology from Drew University, an M.A. with Merit in archaeology from The University of Leicester, Leicestershire, England. Mark is also a registered professional archaeologist (RPA) and an AMDA Certified Metal Detectorist.
He has had experience in Eastern Woodlands archaeology, historic archaeology, the archaeology of historic standing buildings, Pre-Columbian Caribbean ornitho-archaeology, and is a member of the Alexandria Archaeological Commission.
The illustrated lecture is sponsored by the Friends of Alexandria Archaeology and light refreshments will be served. Though free, reservations are required: 703.746.4399 or [email protected].
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