Natasha Ferguson | University of Glasgow (original) (raw)
Papers by Natasha Ferguson
This resource is a single blog post created as part of the Day of Archaeology initiative. The Day... more This resource is a single blog post created as part of the Day of Archaeology initiative. The Day of Archaeology project aimed to provide a window into the daily lives of archaeologists from all over the world. The project asked people working, studying or volunteering in the archaeological world to participate in a 'Day of Archaeology' each year by recording their day and sharing it through text, images or video on the Day of Archaeology blog.<br>The project asked anyone with a personal, professional or voluntary interest in archaeology to get involved, and help highlight the reasons why archaeology is vital to protect the past and inform our futures. The resulting Day of Archaeology project archive demonstrates the wide variety of work the archaeological profession undertakes day-to-day across the globe, and helps to raise public awareness of the relevance and importance of archaeology to the modern world.<br>The first ever Day of Archaeology was held in 2011 a...
In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardles... more In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) based in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. This capacity to record and scrutinize a broad range of artifacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparable material, which reflects the diversity and unique character of Scotland's archaeological record. This has become an important heritage management tool utilized to great effect in recognizing the presence of previously unknown conflict sites. This article provides an overview of the TTU's active role in the identification and heritage management of conflict sites in Scotland using outreach programs, educational tools, small-scale surveys, and most critically, recording of public finds reported to the Unit. Two case studies are provided as examples of the unit's success.
Open Archaeology, 2018
In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’... more In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’, Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal detecting. This response paper contests the basic assumptions upon which this analysis is based. While Hardy‘s comparative, quantitative approach is laudable, it is founded in a biased and simplistic outlook on the metal detecting phenomenon.
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2016
War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years wi... more War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years with a range of research exploring the archaeology of conflict in the modern world. The aim of this article is to review themes of war and conflict as presented in Post-Medieval Archaeology and to track the changing nature of their scope and focus, such as the move towards an increasingly multidisciplinary approach encompassing all aspects of human conflict. By highlighting key articles and innovative research, this article also reflects on the impact and influence of the journal on the burgeoning discipline of conflict archaeology.
In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated ... more In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. Drawing evidence from numerous sources, including a two year monitoring programme of the auction site eBay, from October 2008 until November 2010 and data produced by the heritage sector, this research intends to highlight the activities of hobbyist metal detectorists as a key issue in the conservation and management of sites of conflict. Whist the research recognises the positive contribution of hobbyist metal detecting through engagement with archaeologists, responsible practice and the discovery of previously unknown sites of conflict, it also identifies the negative impact of this activity through the unrecorded removal of battle-related material resulting in the erosion of artefact scatters and ultimately the loss of important national heritage. Another important element of this research has been to further understand the nature of this activity and the motivation to metal detect on sites of conflict, achieved through the presentation of detailed case studies and the application of sociological frameworks such as 'serious leisure' (Stebbins 1992). Overall, the fundamental aim of the research has been to inform heritage management strategies to ensure the future protection of landscapes of conflict in the UK.
Journal of Conflict Archaeology, 2012
Internet Archaeology, 2013
In the UK battlefields are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'.... more In the UK battlefields are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. The unrecorded removal of artefacts from battlefields and other sites of conflict is a key issue in the management and conservation of this unique archaeological heritage. With a particular focus on current doctoral research, this paper aims to address the role of metal detecting in the UK as an important factor in this equation, having both a positive and negative impact to battlefield archaeology. Furthermore it will also consider the nature of metal detecting on UK battlefields; the perceived value of battle related artefacts; the quality of information available for the recording of material from such sites, and what may cooperatively be achieved.
Journal of Community Archaeology & Heritage, 2017
Open Archaeology, 2016
This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the pe... more This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the perspective of the archaeological and metal detecting community. Are we currently opting for a path of least resistance with a ‘better than nothing’ approach to encourage reporting and to maintain good working relationships, even if it risks the loss of valuable archaeological information? Using selected case studies, as well as the results of a recent research project, this paper will draw on the perspective of both archaeologists and hobbyist metal detectorists to further understand what it is to have a responsible and constructive nonprofessional interaction with the archaeological record.
Raito-lahiti, 2018
An autograph book of a Polish forced labourer in WWII Lapland ”Lapland: bare rock, mosquitoes,... more An autograph book of a Polish forced
labourer in WWII Lapland
”Lapland: bare rock, mosquitoes, mud, tundra and hunger”
In August 2017 I travelled
from Glasgow, Scotland (UK)
to Rovaniemi to visit the collec-
tions of the Regional Museum
of Lapland and discuss with the
curators any material or archi-
ves relating to the German pre-
sence in Lapland during WWII.
My visit to the museum, made
possible through a grant gene-
rously awarded by the Society
of Antiquaries of Scotland’s
‘Gunning Jubilee Gift’, begins
an initial phase of research
focusing on the experiences of,
Franciszek Wardzynski, a Polish
citizen transported from War-
saw to Rovaniemi as a forced
labourer in the German auxilia-
ry unit Organisation Todt (OT).
In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property... more In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’, Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal detecting. This response paper contests the basic assumptions upon which this analysis is based. While Hardy‘s comparative, quantitative approach is laudable, it is founded in a biased and simplistic outlook on the metal detecting phenomenon.
Keywords: archaeological metal detecting; heritage management; public archaeology
This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the pe... more This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the perspective of the archaeological and metal detecting community. Are we currently opting for a path of least resistance with a 'better than nothing' approach to encourage reporting and to maintain good working relationships, even if it risks the loss of valuable archaeological information? Using selected case studies, as well as the results of a recent research project, this paper will draw on the perspective of both archaeologists and hobbyist metal detectorists to further understand what it is to have a responsible and constructive nonprofessional interaction with the archaeological record.
SUMMARY: War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50... more SUMMARY: War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years with a range of research exploring the archaeology of conflict in the modern world. The aim of this article is to review themes of war and conflict as presented in Post-Medieval Archaeology and to track the changing nature of their scope and focus, such as the move towards an increasingly multidisciplinary approach encompassing all aspects of human conflict. By highlighting key articles and innovative research, this article also reflects on the impact and influence of the journal on the burgeoning discipline of conflict archaeology.
In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archeological objects, regardless... more In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) based in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. This capacity to record and scrutinise a broad range of artifacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparable material, which reflects the diversity and unique character of Scotland’s archeological record. This has become an important heritage management tool utilised to great effect in recognising the presence of previously unknown conflict sites. This article provides an overview of the TTU’s active role in the identification and heritage management of conflict sites in Scotland using outreach programs, educational tools, small-scale surveys, and most critically, recording of public finds reported to the Unit. Two case studies are provided as examples of the unit’s success.
N. Ferguson 2013 'Biting the bullet: the role of hobbyist metal detecting within battlefield arch... more N. Ferguson 2013 'Biting the bullet: the role of hobbyist metal detecting within battlefield archaeology', Internet Archaeology 33.
Ferguson, Natasha (2013) An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyi... more Ferguson, Natasha (2013) An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyist metal detecting to sites of conflict in the UK. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
Infernal Traffic: Excavation of a Liberated African Graveyard in Rupert’s Valley, St Helena, 2011
This resource is a single blog post created as part of the Day of Archaeology initiative. The Day... more This resource is a single blog post created as part of the Day of Archaeology initiative. The Day of Archaeology project aimed to provide a window into the daily lives of archaeologists from all over the world. The project asked people working, studying or volunteering in the archaeological world to participate in a 'Day of Archaeology' each year by recording their day and sharing it through text, images or video on the Day of Archaeology blog.<br>The project asked anyone with a personal, professional or voluntary interest in archaeology to get involved, and help highlight the reasons why archaeology is vital to protect the past and inform our futures. The resulting Day of Archaeology project archive demonstrates the wide variety of work the archaeological profession undertakes day-to-day across the globe, and helps to raise public awareness of the relevance and importance of archaeology to the modern world.<br>The first ever Day of Archaeology was held in 2011 a...
In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardles... more In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) based in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. This capacity to record and scrutinize a broad range of artifacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparable material, which reflects the diversity and unique character of Scotland's archaeological record. This has become an important heritage management tool utilized to great effect in recognizing the presence of previously unknown conflict sites. This article provides an overview of the TTU's active role in the identification and heritage management of conflict sites in Scotland using outreach programs, educational tools, small-scale surveys, and most critically, recording of public finds reported to the Unit. Two case studies are provided as examples of the unit's success.
Open Archaeology, 2018
In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’... more In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’, Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal detecting. This response paper contests the basic assumptions upon which this analysis is based. While Hardy‘s comparative, quantitative approach is laudable, it is founded in a biased and simplistic outlook on the metal detecting phenomenon.
Post-Medieval Archaeology, 2016
War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years wi... more War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years with a range of research exploring the archaeology of conflict in the modern world. The aim of this article is to review themes of war and conflict as presented in Post-Medieval Archaeology and to track the changing nature of their scope and focus, such as the move towards an increasingly multidisciplinary approach encompassing all aspects of human conflict. By highlighting key articles and innovative research, this article also reflects on the impact and influence of the journal on the burgeoning discipline of conflict archaeology.
In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated ... more In the UK sites of conflict, in particular battlefields, are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. Drawing evidence from numerous sources, including a two year monitoring programme of the auction site eBay, from October 2008 until November 2010 and data produced by the heritage sector, this research intends to highlight the activities of hobbyist metal detectorists as a key issue in the conservation and management of sites of conflict. Whist the research recognises the positive contribution of hobbyist metal detecting through engagement with archaeologists, responsible practice and the discovery of previously unknown sites of conflict, it also identifies the negative impact of this activity through the unrecorded removal of battle-related material resulting in the erosion of artefact scatters and ultimately the loss of important national heritage. Another important element of this research has been to further understand the nature of this activity and the motivation to metal detect on sites of conflict, achieved through the presentation of detailed case studies and the application of sociological frameworks such as 'serious leisure' (Stebbins 1992). Overall, the fundamental aim of the research has been to inform heritage management strategies to ensure the future protection of landscapes of conflict in the UK.
Journal of Conflict Archaeology, 2012
Internet Archaeology, 2013
In the UK battlefields are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'.... more In the UK battlefields are becoming more frequently associated with the label 'heritage at risk'. As the concept of battlefield and conflict archaeology has evolved, so too has the recognition that battlefields are dynamic, yet fragile, archaeological landscapes in need of protection. The tangible evidence of battle is primarily identified by distributions of artefacts held within the topsoil, such as lead projectiles, weapon fragments or buttons torn from clothing; debris strewn in the heat of battle. Much of the battlefield therefore remains as a faint footprint, and where it survives, may provide valuable information, if recorded accurately. The unrecorded removal of artefacts from battlefields and other sites of conflict is a key issue in the management and conservation of this unique archaeological heritage. With a particular focus on current doctoral research, this paper aims to address the role of metal detecting in the UK as an important factor in this equation, having both a positive and negative impact to battlefield archaeology. Furthermore it will also consider the nature of metal detecting on UK battlefields; the perceived value of battle related artefacts; the quality of information available for the recording of material from such sites, and what may cooperatively be achieved.
Journal of Community Archaeology & Heritage, 2017
Open Archaeology, 2016
This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the pe... more This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the perspective of the archaeological and metal detecting community. Are we currently opting for a path of least resistance with a ‘better than nothing’ approach to encourage reporting and to maintain good working relationships, even if it risks the loss of valuable archaeological information? Using selected case studies, as well as the results of a recent research project, this paper will draw on the perspective of both archaeologists and hobbyist metal detectorists to further understand what it is to have a responsible and constructive nonprofessional interaction with the archaeological record.
Raito-lahiti, 2018
An autograph book of a Polish forced labourer in WWII Lapland ”Lapland: bare rock, mosquitoes,... more An autograph book of a Polish forced
labourer in WWII Lapland
”Lapland: bare rock, mosquitoes, mud, tundra and hunger”
In August 2017 I travelled
from Glasgow, Scotland (UK)
to Rovaniemi to visit the collec-
tions of the Regional Museum
of Lapland and discuss with the
curators any material or archi-
ves relating to the German pre-
sence in Lapland during WWII.
My visit to the museum, made
possible through a grant gene-
rously awarded by the Society
of Antiquaries of Scotland’s
‘Gunning Jubilee Gift’, begins
an initial phase of research
focusing on the experiences of,
Franciszek Wardzynski, a Polish
citizen transported from War-
saw to Rovaniemi as a forced
labourer in the German auxilia-
ry unit Organisation Todt (OT).
In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property... more In his paper ‘Quantitative analysis of open-source data on metal detecting for cultural property’, Samuel Hardy suggested that permissive policy is ineffective in minimizing the damage done to cultural heritage by non-professional metal detecting. This response paper contests the basic assumptions upon which this analysis is based. While Hardy‘s comparative, quantitative approach is laudable, it is founded in a biased and simplistic outlook on the metal detecting phenomenon.
Keywords: archaeological metal detecting; heritage management; public archaeology
This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the pe... more This paper will consider the positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting from both the perspective of the archaeological and metal detecting community. Are we currently opting for a path of least resistance with a 'better than nothing' approach to encourage reporting and to maintain good working relationships, even if it risks the loss of valuable archaeological information? Using selected case studies, as well as the results of a recent research project, this paper will draw on the perspective of both archaeologists and hobbyist metal detectorists to further understand what it is to have a responsible and constructive nonprofessional interaction with the archaeological record.
SUMMARY: War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50... more SUMMARY: War and conflict has been well represented in Post-Medieval Archaeology over the last 50 years with a range of research exploring the archaeology of conflict in the modern world. The aim of this article is to review themes of war and conflict as presented in Post-Medieval Archaeology and to track the changing nature of their scope and focus, such as the move towards an increasingly multidisciplinary approach encompassing all aspects of human conflict. By highlighting key articles and innovative research, this article also reflects on the impact and influence of the journal on the burgeoning discipline of conflict archaeology.
In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archeological objects, regardless... more In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) based in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. This capacity to record and scrutinise a broad range of artifacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparable material, which reflects the diversity and unique character of Scotland’s archeological record. This has become an important heritage management tool utilised to great effect in recognising the presence of previously unknown conflict sites. This article provides an overview of the TTU’s active role in the identification and heritage management of conflict sites in Scotland using outreach programs, educational tools, small-scale surveys, and most critically, recording of public finds reported to the Unit. Two case studies are provided as examples of the unit’s success.
N. Ferguson 2013 'Biting the bullet: the role of hobbyist metal detecting within battlefield arch... more N. Ferguson 2013 'Biting the bullet: the role of hobbyist metal detecting within battlefield archaeology', Internet Archaeology 33.
Ferguson, Natasha (2013) An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyi... more Ferguson, Natasha (2013) An assessment of the positive contribution and negative impact of hobbyist metal detecting to sites of conflict in the UK. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
Infernal Traffic: Excavation of a Liberated African Graveyard in Rupert’s Valley, St Helena, 2011
Those who engage in 'responsible hobbyist metal detecting' are often praised in the UK, and in so... more Those who engage in 'responsible hobbyist metal detecting' are often praised in the UK, and in some European countries, for their contribution to our understanding of the past through the discovery of archaeological objects. However, what we can consider to be a positive contribution from hobbyist metal detecting has become blurred. What demands can heritage legislation effectively make of a recreational activity? Is the requirement for accurate findspots too demanding, or is a 'better than nothing' approach the best option to encourage reporting, even if it risks the loss of valuable archaeological information? I would argue there is a fine line between a contribution and impact, even with responsible metal detecting activity. What may be regarded as a contribution by the metal detecting community may in turn place considerable pressure on already strained heritage resources. For example, requesting an archaeological presence at large scale metal detecting rallies to record and identify finds, or, as is occurring more frequently, the excavation of complex in-situ discoveries such as substantial Viking hoards. In both cases there is an expectation by metal detectorists for archaeologists to respond in order to avoid the loss of contextual information; inability to do so may be regarded as incompetence or lack of interest. Using selected case studies to draw on the perspective of both archaeologists and hobbyist metal detectorists, as well as experience of working within Treasure Trove Scotland, this paper will aim to explore what we consider to be a 'contribution' and to offer an alternative framework.
When discussing the in situ preservation of archaeological sites should we also consider artefact... more When discussing the in situ preservation of archaeological sites should we also consider artefacts suspended within the ploughzone? Although not traditionally regarded as ‘in situ’ archaeology, ongoing research has demonstrated that scatters of artefacts relating to sites such as battlefields can retain their spatial integrity after initial deposition. In context artefact scatters can also be integral to the interpretation of upstanding remains. Analysis of this spatial patterning allows the archaeologist to understand the nature of the event, and to determine its physical extent and condition. But what is the most appropriate method to preserve such scatters? In order to truly understand its nature and extent, an important factor in the effective heritage management of such sites, it is often necessary to remove the objects, adopting a preservation through record approach. Does this method serve to enhance the public experience of the site by creating visible heritage? Or does it remove the essence of the site and the potential for future research? As a fragile resource ploughzone archaeology is also extremely vulnerable to the negative impacts of development and clandestine metal detecting activity. This paper aims to explore these issues and to promote artefact scatters as a viable archaeological resource.
"In Scotland (UK) treasure trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardle... more "In Scotland (UK) treasure trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU). This capacity to record and scrutinise a broad range of artefacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparanda material. This has become an important heritage management tool utilised to great effect in recognising the presence of previously unknown sites of conflict within the archaeological record, in particular, training and mustering sites associated with the raising of Volunteer Units in the late 18th century. Such material, primarily recovered through hobbyist metal detecting, includes assemblages of lead projectiles, fragments of military accoutrements, and military uniform components such as buttons and buckles; all of which reflect a diverse level of social interaction not represented in historical accounts.
Using a select example of case studies to profile the archaeological footprint of recently highlighted ‘Volunteer’ sites in Scotland, this paper will outline the TTU’s current approach to researching associated material culture and the process of ensuring such sites are recorded and recognised in future heritage strategies for conservation. Much of this is achieved through programmes of outreach and the development of educational tools, together with small-scale surveys undertaken by the author. At a wider level, this paper will also provide an overview of the TTU’s active role in the heritage management of other sites of conflict in Scotland, through our ability to monitor metal detecting activity on battlefields and ensure reported battle-related objects are allocated to local museums.
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The theme of War, Conflict, and Resolution encourages us to address and respond to the destructio... more The theme of War, Conflict, and Resolution encourages us to address and respond to the destruction of the past, a form of conflict encountered by all archaeologists. Our efforts to preserve archaeological sites are constantly challenged by instances of looting, vandalism, and modern development. This is a far-reaching topic that is relevant within field archaeology, conservation, and museums, yet it has not received the attention it deserves. As we continue to struggle to protect the past, and remain divided over ways to best approach the problem, it sees pertinent to bring together a session with scholars from around the world to encourage discussion of how we can unite as a discipline to stem this destruction.
Hobbyist metal detecting as a recreational activity has the potential to make a positive contribu... more Hobbyist metal detecting as a recreational activity has the potential to make a positive contribution to our knowledge of Scotland’s past if carried out responsibly and with an awareness of laws and guidelines designed to protect and preserve our shared archaeological heritage. In recent years it has become clear that our current understanding of hobbyist metal detecting in Scotland has primarily been limited to a small number of data sources, together with more subjective anecdotal accounts prone to bias and assumption. The fundamental aim of this innovative project has been to better understand the extent and character of hobbyist metal detecting in Scotland by gathering consistent and high quality data from both the metal detecting community and heritage practitioners in Scotland to highlight current modes of practice and viewpoints. This better understanding of hobbyist metal detecting in Scotland will inform the future development of reflective and sustainable guidance and engagement strategies for both non-professionals and professionals interacting with the historic environment.
This project was commissioned and directed as a collaborative project by Historic Environment Scotland and the Treasure Trove Unit. The project and report was conducted by GUARD Archaeology Limited. A reference group composed of representatives from the metal detecting community, heritage sector and academia were involved at each stage of the process to review project methodologies and results.
