What is the difference between Archaeologists and Metal Detectorists?
I would prefer to rephrase this as, ‘What is the difference between archaeologists and treasure hunters?’ because you can be both an archaeologist and a metal detectorist, but you cannot be both an archaeologist and a treasure hunter. The difference is an archaeologist is only interested in an artefact because of what it tells us about the past, in that respect a preserved grain of barley or a fragment of pottery is often far more valuable to the archaeologist than a gold coin or even the most beautiful brooch. A treasure hunter may also have a genuine interest in the past but their motivation for finding things is personal gain, either to increase a personal collection of ancient artefacts or just for direct financial gain. Any artefacts found by RVA will be the property of the landowner, but we do encourage landowners to donate archaeologically significant artefacts to a museum after they have been properly researched and recorded.
Is there an upper or lower age limit to take part?
I think my children would be too young to join in a proper dig, is there any other way we could get involved?
Yes, there is one archaeological activity ideally suited to younger children and the whole family, this is test pit digging in your own gardens. These are mini excavations just 1 metre square and they can sometimes actually lead to important discoveries. There is lots of information online on how to dig test pits and in particular there is Dig School https://digschool.org.uk by Carenza Lewis (University of Lincoln and TV’s ‘Time Team’).
Do I need any prior experience in archaeology to join in?
Absolutely not, training will be provided in any aspect of archaeology you would like to pursue. Some of our projects and many of our activities were chosen because they provide excellent training opportunities. In our view all excavations are training excavations. We particularly wish to support anyone who is interested in progressing to a leadership role or become involved in professional archaeology.
Do I need any specialised equipment?
No, we can lend you any equipment you need, but if you did want to help us reduce the amount of equipment we need to transport, for example if you came on an excavation, you could bring your own trowel (this needs to be a builder’s three or four inch pointing trowel) a bucket, plus a hand shovel and hand-brush.
Do I need to join RVA to take part in its activities? If so how do I join?
No you don't have to join but we would be very happy if you did. However, if not a member we would ask you to make a small contribution, if taking part in an excavation to help cover the cost of insurance. Membership is a very modest price of £5 per year and there are full instructions on our Join Us Page.
Does the RVA meet anywhere in particular? If so how often?
Not at the moment but we are considering the idea of having a regular meetings perhaps once a month, to report on and discuss our activities.
Will I have the opportunity to get involved in site recording and doing things such as drawing plans and sections or drawing finds?
A big ‘Yes’ and we can provide you with training; archaeological excavation should be 25% digging and 75% recording.
Will I just be treated as a pair of hands by the ‘"experts"’ who will do all the interesting stuff?
No, it is our firm belief that anyone taking part should have the opportunity to have a go at every aspect of archaeology that they want to try. It is also our belief that any member that has ambitions to take on a leadership role such as site supervisor or even site director should be encouraged to do so.
Can I bring along my metal detector when we meet outdoors?
I don't think I will be able to dig, are there other things I can do to help on an excavation?
There are plenty of jobs that don't require digging; these include recording, photography and drawing or assisting people with these jobs. There is also a whole range of jobs dealing with finds and everybody loves a person who wants to make the tea or brings cake.