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
- 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
- correct washing is important and all field staff should be trained in correct washing procedures.
- marking of all finds should be seen as a minimum requirement.
- basic quantification is needed both for the archive and the assessment report, as outlined in MAP2.
- draughting a finds policy
- 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
- a single person in charge of the whereabouts of finds, a single set of records, and a single contact for specialists.
- background research
- especially type-series of various find categories
- the Finds Officer as in-house specialist
- quick queries by field staff
- reports written quickly and cheaply for the Unit
- potential to bring money in.
- writing up finds reports
- 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.