Cite this as: Kurisoo, T. and Smirnova, M. 2025 Unearthing Perspectives: Exploring the views of heritage professionals and hobbyists on the current state of metal detecting in Estonia, Internet Archaeology 68. https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.68.3
This article presents the results of an online survey that explores the views of Estonian heritage professionals and hobbyists on the current state of metal detecting, which has become a popular activity. The hobby is fairly well regulated by law, and both the state and the hobbyists have clear obligations. We asked how local archaeologists and metal detectorists perceive the status quo, what they find positive and negative, and what they would like to see changed. While the majority of the professional archaeologists could point to several positive aspects (e.g. new information, finds), they were clearly concerned about the impact of metal detecting and the capacity of the National Heritage Board to manage the current system. Hobbyists appreciated direct communication with the state, feedback and mandatory training, but were frustrated by the slow pace of feedback, burdensome legislation and mediocre digital solutions. The Estonian archaeological community is small and accustomed to the role of experts. Metal detecting is more of an individual hobby, still in its early stages of development. Similar to several other studies, we believe that better cooperation would help both these stakeholders to perceive archaeology as a common resource that can be used in different ways, but with a shared sense of responsibility.
Corresponding author: Tuuli Kurisoo
[email protected]
Tallinn University
Maria Smirnova
University of Tartu
Figure 1: Graph showing the work experience of surveyed archaeologists in years
Figure 2: Graph showing the interaction of surveyed archaeologists with hobbyists
Figure 3: Positive codes and themes expressed by Estonian heritage professionals regarding hobbyist metal detecting
Figure 4: Negative codes and themes expressed by Estonian heritage professionals regarding hobbyist metal detecting
Figure 5: Graph showing the detecting experience in years and whether the surveyed hobbyists hold a licence
Figure 6: Positive codes and themes expressed by Estonian hobbyists regarding hobbyist metal detecting
Figure 7: Negative codes and themes expressed by Estonian hobbyists regarding hobbyist metal detecting
Figure 8: Graph showing the number of licence holders and archaeologists at the NHB who are responsible for hobbyists and their discoveries
Table 1: Target groups and open ended survey questions
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