Corbridge © David Gill
Historic England has noted that metal-detectorists have been active on part of the scheduled Roman site at Corbridge in Northumberland.
Do we need to change the language used to describe such activity? Do archaeologists need to start talking about the intellectual implications of such illegal activity? What information is being lost from the finite archaeological record?
Further details can be found on Looting Matters.
Brunton Turret, Hadrian’s Wall © David Gill
Part of Hadrian’s Wall at Brunton Turret has been damaged by metal-detectorists “‘Nighthawk’ metal detectorists damage Hadrian’s Wall“, BBC News 20 June 2018). Some 50 holes have been noted around this well-preserved section of the Roman frontier. This raises questions about how internationally significant heritage assets can be protected for future generations. Equally important is the question, how can the archaeological and heritage communities make it clear that such activity cannot be accepted?
Image of Athenian amphora attributed to the Bucci painter seized in Greek police raid (2007). Source: Dr Christos Tsirogiannis.
Dr Christos Tsirogannis has identified an Attic amphora due to be auctioned in London next week as the one shown in two images seized during a Greek police raid in 2007. The auction house concerned needs to demonstrate the full collecting history.
More details are available on Looting Matters.
Lanercost Priory © David Gill
Some of the most important tombs at Lanercost are found in the eastern part of the priory church. This tomb in the north transept appears to date from the late 14th century and probably was for a member of the Dacre family. The sign suggests that more recent visitors to the site were in the habit of adding their initials or names to the monument.
Tomb in north transepct, Lanercost Priory © David Gill
Rollright Stones: King Stone, c. 1993 © David Gill
The Rollright Stones lie in Oxfordshire. The King Stone lies outside the main circle.
This image was taken about 1993. Sadly in 2007 the sign was vandalised and had to be removed (details here).
Terracotta head of Hades found near Morgantina. Source: MiBACT
The J. Paul Getty Museum is to hand over a terracotta head to Italian authorities tomorrow (details on Looting Matters). It will then be put on display in the museum at Aidone, alongside other objects returned from North American collections.
The head’s return raises wider questions about how the Getty acquired material from private collections in the 1980s in spite of the 1970 UNESCO Convention.
Ministry of Works plaques stolen from Woodhenge. Source: Historic England
HF has a keen interest in heritage signs especially those linked to the Ministry of Works. It has been reported that the Ministry of Works signs from Woodhenge, an early example of interpretative plaques, have been stolen.
Further details are available from Looting Matters.
