Finds Processing: A Community vs. Commercial Perspective
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 2019-07-22

Finds processing is an essential part of archaeological investigations. However, methods of collection, processing, recording and reporting can vary greatly depending on resources available and the nature of projects. This paper aims to present some of the different approaches applied and the challenges faced by units, museums, and those responsible for reporting archaeological finds.
On community-led projects 100% collection policies are often instigated in order to instruct volunteers, resulting in a greater need for post excavation processing. On commercial-led projects, material is often not retained and post excavation budgets are tight. This can lead to biases in the analysis of assemblages, with certain materials receiving greater attention. There is a need for greater standardisation of finds reporting across the sector.
The increasing pressure for museum space is also leading to more material being discarded, bringing into question the long-term future of archaeological archives. How can we make better use of our archaeological collections?

Sam Rowe (Salford Archaeology)

TAG Deva 2018
Session: Fighting for our Finds from Discovery to Display