Legislation and persuasion; Portable antiquities and the limits of the law: Some scottish and british perspectives

Abstract

While considering legal controls on portable antiquities, this chapter will also examine the less obvious aspects that can impact the recovery or reporting of chance finds. In particular the chapter will review specific factors that are (in both practical and legal terms) outside the control of the law and will have an impact on whether an object is recognised or valued, let alone reported to the authorities. While non-reporting is often categorised as looting perpetrated by organised criminals, this experience is rare in many countries, and the author discusses a variety of cultural attitudes amongst finders (in particular metal-detector users) that influence how they may value an object and interact with the archaeological profession.