Post by UKarchaeology on Apr 1, 2016 14:28:51 GMT
Dig Ventures is planning its next crowd-funded archaeological dig following a major Bronze Barrow discovery by an amateur archaeologist
Describing barrows as “the best windows we have into the lives and deaths of Bronze Age Britons,” Brendon Wilkins, Archaeologist and Projects Director at DigVentures said, “discoveries such as these are the reason why archaeologists get out of bed in the morning.”
Archaeologists and antiquarians have been excavating barrows since the 19th century but this rare undisturbed site was found when community worker and amateur metal detectorist, Matthew Hepworth, found a Bronze Age knife and a chisel in a small field.
Both artefacts, which are remarkably well preserved, are rare for the area. Hepworth and his friend David Kierzek reported their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme - the DCMS funded project encouraging the voluntary recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales - allowing the important find to be excavated by an expert team.
Now, after securing the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund with £49,500, DigVentures is inviting anyone interested in discovering the past to crowdfund the project on their website.
In return, supporters become part of the dig team – through exclusive digital access to project data, and the chance to participate in the expedition, which takes place July 4 – 7 2016.
Full story/pics: www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art548868-Archaeological-dig-planned-as-metal-detectorist-discovers-untouched-Bronze-Age-burial-mound
Describing barrows as “the best windows we have into the lives and deaths of Bronze Age Britons,” Brendon Wilkins, Archaeologist and Projects Director at DigVentures said, “discoveries such as these are the reason why archaeologists get out of bed in the morning.”
Archaeologists and antiquarians have been excavating barrows since the 19th century but this rare undisturbed site was found when community worker and amateur metal detectorist, Matthew Hepworth, found a Bronze Age knife and a chisel in a small field.
Both artefacts, which are remarkably well preserved, are rare for the area. Hepworth and his friend David Kierzek reported their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme - the DCMS funded project encouraging the voluntary recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales - allowing the important find to be excavated by an expert team.
Now, after securing the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund with £49,500, DigVentures is inviting anyone interested in discovering the past to crowdfund the project on their website.
In return, supporters become part of the dig team – through exclusive digital access to project data, and the chance to participate in the expedition, which takes place July 4 – 7 2016.
Full story/pics: www.culture24.org.uk/history-and-heritage/archaeology/art548868-Archaeological-dig-planned-as-metal-detectorist-discovers-untouched-Bronze-Age-burial-mound