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A pragmatic approach to the problem of portable antiquities: the experience of England and Wales

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2015

Roger Bland*
Affiliation:
Portable Antiquities Scheme

Abstract

Thousands of artefacts are found every year by the public the world over, and many are sold or destroyed. How are we to ensure that these discoveries can take their place in archaeological research (Editorial, December 2004)? For some, legislation, state control and strong penalties are the best or only option. Here, the co-ordinator of the English Portable Antiquities Scheme makes the case for a voluntary code, led by co-operation, education and reward.

Type
Debate
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2005

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