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Chapter 2: Tools of the Trade

Depth Awareness: Detect only within the depth of ploughing unless supervised. Avoid disturbing undisturbed pasture or earthworks.

Marking Finds: Flag potential finds and report them before digging. Never excavate alone or without supervision.

Insurance: Public liability insurance is strongly recommended to cover accidental damage or injury to self or others.

Health & Wellbeing
Manual Handling: Use proper lifting techniques. Shovelling or barrow work can damage your back or knees if done incorrectly.

Weather & Terrain: Dress appropriately for heat, cold, or wet conditions. Use sunscreen, hydration and protective gear.

First Aid & Emergency Contacts: Every site should have a first aid kit, trained personnel and a clear emergency plan. Register health issues and contacts before joining a dig for briefings.

Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
Risk Assessments: Every legitimate site should have a Health & Safety plan and induction. If not, ask why, and know your right to refuse unsafe work.

Reporting Finds: Use the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) to log discoveries. Respect the ownership rights of landowners and the cultural value of artefacts, the should be negotiated before any dig.

Examples of Archaeological Finds

Anglo-Saxon

Ritual & Symbolic Objects

Bronze Age burial amulets, often found in graves, shaped like animals or abstract symbols.

• Iron Age torcs – neck rings worn as status markers, sometimes buried as offerings.
• Roman curse tablets – inscribed lead sheets thrown into sacred springs to invoke divine justice.

Late Roman/Early Byzantine
Bronze Extremely Rare Amulet