Veteran wreck diver Mark Pearce puts forward the case for a new wave of amateur archaeologists, and tells of his latest find on Plymouth’ s Coronation wreck
UKDIVING
Ethical treasure hunting
Mark lights up an anchor on the Coronation wreck
Veteran wreck diver Mark Pearce puts forward the case for a new wave of amateur archaeologists, and tells of his latest find on Plymouth’ s Coronation wreck
Celebrating the discovery of a pewter plate
Use the word‘ treasure’ in conversation with most professional archaeologists, then watch them recoil in horror. For so many years, the sensational connotations of this innocent word has rendered it anathema to respectable antiquarians. But perhaps now, with a new breed of underwater history enthusiasts emerging from the era of the‘ wrecker’... well, perhaps it needn’ t be so offensive. I write this in the hope of rehabilitating the word, and asking the question: Is there room for ethical treasure hunters in today’ s diving-archaeology interface?
The term‘ ethical treasure hunter’ is my own, but bear with me. I have rules... and a definition. Firstly, this pursuit can never be for personal gain, but for the benefit of all. In other words, you don’ t look to sell items you find, regardless of their monetary value. You shouldn’ t even consider such artifacts as being your property. The goal should be to place finds of significance into museums or collections where the public can appreciate them.
When showing people the finds our team has turned up, they often express surprise that we absolutely do not sell artifacts. We simply want them stay in public view for all to enjoy.
A responsible attitude toward recovery and preservation is essential. Much of what lies on or under the seabed rapidly degrades once recovered to dry land. You need to know how to safely and legally raise the item; also how to stabilise its condition once it’ s clear of the water. For this, the help of an ever-patient conservator makes the task of managing finds far less stressful.
As with everything in life these days, a paper trail of what has been found, where, when and by whom has to be taken
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