Treasure hunters don’t cause damage to archaeological sites
FALSE
When digging up objects from the ground, we can never be sure that we are not damaging an archaeological site. The majority of sites do not stand out from the surrounding terrain and yet some (for instance graves) may be located just below the surface. There is always a risk of stepping on a hitherto unknown position.
Metal detectors can be useful in archaeology
TRUE
A metal detector can be a very useful tool if it is used during methodically conducted archaeological work. What is most important is that the extraction of objects is accompanied by precise scientific documentation. The hunting of artefacts without such documentation contributes to the destruction of our cultural heritage.
Militaria are not archaeological artefacts
FALSE
Battlefields and military camps are also investigated using archaeological methods and objects discovered during such explorations are considered archaeological artefacts. Artefacts found and documented in this manner are a valuable source of historical information. Not every old object connected with the military is considered to be an artefact, however this can only be decided by the relevant Voivodeship Inspector of Monuments.
Restrictive laws in Poland diverge from European norms
FALSE
Polish laws concerning cultural heritage are derived from the 1992 European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, known as the Malta Treaty. Poland, along with thirty other European countries, ratified this agreement and made legislative changes in order to fulfill its requirements. No state which gives legal protection to its cultural heritage allows the looting of excavations, the destruction of archaeological sites or the trading of artefacts originating from illegal sources.
The trading of archaeological artefacts is a criminal offense
TRUE
Archaeological artefacts found on Polish territory, regardless of the method of discovery, are the property of the State Treasury and therefore excluded from trade. When buying an archaeological artefact once should assume that it comes from an illegal source. In the international antiquities trade the standard practice is that the legality of the source of a given artefact must be demonstrated.
The trading of replicas of archaeological artefacts is legal
TRUE
You can legally trade replicas of artefacts, provided that you clearly state that they are not originals. Counterfeiting and altering artefacts for sale is illegal, as is the trading of such objects as legitimate artefacts.
Author: Narodowy Instytut Dziedzictwa.
Foto: Małgorzata Stępnik
