Papers

Wash 'n' Go: the field archaeologist's attitude to finds?

Overhead slide 1: The Role of the Finds Officer

Some aspects of the work of finds staff include:

• overseeing the collection of finds on site and their transportation back to the Unit
1. finds collection is a major part of excavation strategy and should involve someone who is competent to make decisions regarding finds.


• overseeing or carrying out finds processing
1. correct washing is important and all field staff should be trained in correct washing procedures.
2. marking of all finds should be seen as a minimum requirement.
3. basic quantification is needed both for the archive and the assessment report, as outlined in MAP2.


• draughting a finds policy
1. the finds officer should determine all finds strategies and procedures within the unit, in consultation with regular specialists, conservators, field staff, and museum archaeologists.


• sending material to and liaising with specialists
1. a single person in charge of the whereabouts of finds, a single set of records, and a single contact for specialists.


• background research
1. especially type-series of various find categories


• the Finds Officer as in-house specialist
1. quick queries by field staff
2. reports written quickly and cheaply for the Unit
3. potential to bring money in.


• writing up finds reports
1. the finds officer also has to be a generalist. S/he should be able to write an overview of the conclusions and interpretations made by other specialists, preferably in consultation with them.

Sue Anderson, © November 1996.

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