Legal and Cultural Dimensions of Private Archaeological Collecting and Detectorist Activity

Abstract

This article examines the historical, cultural, and legal aspects of private collecting of archaeological artifacts and the activities of so-called “detectorists” (individuals engaged in the search for antiquities). The relevance of the topic stems from a longstanding conflict between the professional archaeological community and amateur collectors, as well as the legal uncertainty surrounding independent excavations. Highlighting the issue of how archaeological valuables enter both museum collections and private holdings, and briefly reviewing existing international approaches to its resolution, the author proposes integrating private initiative into the system of archaeological heritage protection at the legislative level to preserve the scientific value of such finds.