Surface Collecting v.s. Digging

When I talk to folks about my artifact collection one question I am often asked is "Do you dig for them?". The answer is no I don't. There are a couple of reasons that I am exclusively a surface collector. First I am lazy and walking a plowed field is easier than digging. The most important reason I don't dig is that when artifacts are turned up in a plowed field they are out of context and much of the important archaeological information is already lost, so I am doing no further damage. Even though much of the data valuable to the archaeological record is lost I still follow a few steps with every find in order to preserve as much information as possible.

1. I keep a log book of all the artifacts I find in which I record information such as the date, what field I am in, where in the field I found the artifact, a list of any geographical features near by (rivers, streams, large rocks, sandy bluff, etc.)
2. I as try to get a picture of the artifact in-situ.
3. I use my GPS to plot an exact location
4. I give each find a number. My numbering system is easy 3-11F is the third find of  2011. I record this number in the log book entry.
5. Finally I put the artifact in a Ziploc bag and mark the number on it.

This all may seem like a lot of fooling around but in reality it is very easy and only takes a half a minute to do. Keeping good records will pay dividends in the future, helping to determine where to continue your search, adding the value of provenance to your collection, and preserving the history for future generations.

Items found by digging are often found just as the original makers and users left them providing valuable clues as to how the ancient peoples lived. I cannot tell anyone not to dig for Indian artifacts but I would discourage it unless you are familiar with the methods to properly record what you find. What holds great value for professional  archaeologist is of no interest to the relic hunter, but is lost when a site is subject to indiscriminate digging. Archaeologist collect and catalog every bone fragment, piece charcoal, and every seed they find these things may not sound like much but provide a window into to the ancient peoples daily life. I you would like to dig for artifacts, it is a good idea to join your local archaeological society. Local archaeological clubs are often involved with digs along side professional archaeologist providing an excellent opportunity to learn the ropes.

No matter the method of collecting you choose to employ remember you are preserving a piece of history. In my opinion the more complete the record of any collection the more value that collection has. Keep good records for the sake of generations to come.

Paul Wells