Finds (Artefacts and Ecofacts)

Although finds are not included in the monument-event-source HER data model, it is widely acknowledged that artefacts and ecofacts comprise a significant component in developing our understanding of the historic environment, and therefore should be included in HERs. Approaches to recording finds within HERs is still highly variable despite the potential value of this material to inform our understanding of the historic environment.

Historically, HERs have not always included find records for some categories of material and/or for material recovered under certain circumstances. Some HERs have chosen to record this information in other record types rather than creating find records, for example including object details in a related monument and/or event description field. Other HERs have chosen to record the presence of finds using monument types such as ‘Findspot’ and a relevant period term, e.g. ‘Roman’. However, increasingly HERs have been creating finds records and linking these to the appropriate monument and/or event record(s). This is considered best practice and is discussed in further detail in Maintaining a Dynamic HER.

Unit of Record

There has often been an imbalance between finds recovered during developer-funded projects such as evaluations and excavations, and finds discovered by other means, for example stray finds that have been reported to the HER. Often this imbalance has resulted in an over-emphasis on stray finds, with finds from developer-funded work being poorly represented within HERs by comparison. This dichotomy has been exacerbated by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS), which produces lots of very detailed information about individual objects, which, if imported into an HER may sit uncomfortably alongside the broad index terms used for other finds within the HER database. Further information about how to integrate PAS data into HERs can be found in Maintaining a Dynamic HER.

An HER should set out their approach to recording artefacts, find spots and find scatters in their Recording Policy and Recording Manual. Artefacts and ecofacts should be recorded to a consistent level of detail across the HER database. HER managers should decide upon a level of detail that can be consistently maintained within the resources available, rather than recording some objects in great detail and others not at all.

Indexing Finds Records

When making decisions about the desired level of detail for finds records, it is important to emphasise that the HER is an index rather than a catalogue. In the vast majority of cases, it will be impractical for HERs to attempt to record every single artefact or ecofact in detail, but a consistent approach can be achieved by indexing information. Finds and environmental indices can be created which allow rapid, consistent recording of groups of artefacts and ecofacts by broad type, together with additional information, such as the existence of specialist reports. HER software also allows quantities to be added to find records, so that a single find record can be created for each type of artefact then the number of such objects can be specified within each find record. For all HERs, the key to successful finds indexing is adoption and application of a consistent and sustainable approach across the entire dataset, and clear documentation to support this. 

Find records may also be used to signpost users to museums or other bodies that curate any objects or site archives by including catalogue numbers and museum references.