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BY-NC-ND 3.0 license Open Access Published by De Gruyter Open Access August 17, 2016

Metal Detecting in Finland - An Ongoing Debate

  • Anna Wessman , Leena Koivisto and Suzie Thomas
From the journal Open Archaeology

Abstract

This outline article presents and critiques legislation as it affects the metal detecting hobby and the archaeological profession. It considers some of the ways in which metal detectorists themselves have caused controversy but also positive news in relation to archaeological heritage in Finland. A selection of examples of collaboration based on the authors own experiences is presented, also the impact of metal detecting on material culture and archaeological research. The continuing object-oriented focus of both metal detectorists and the media is identified. New collection and engagement strategies could enhance archaeological research, while engaging this particular section of the wider public.

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Received: 2016-3-21
Accepted: 2016-7-19
Published Online: 2016-8-17

© 2016 Anna Wessman et al.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

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