Surveying the Past

My work in Satakunta has come to an end, but I'm taking one more quick look into field surveys and what is there to learn from the case studies that I've shared here previously. While my writings were meant to simply give a brief look into one side of archaeological research, I also purposely included sites that highlight different aspects of field surveys. However, there is still much more when it comes to the topic and if you're interested in making discoveries yourself, then you might want to get your hands into the mud! Here's a few of my thoughts that might help you to get started.

The best way to learn about different kinds of archaeological heritage, is by visiting the sites yourself and it's often good to start from the sites that have already been discovered. So, browse through the database and pick different types of sites that are close to your home. Don't only list them, but read the descriptions in advance and pay attention to the observations that archaeologists have done before, so that you'll pay attention to the same details and maybe even more. If you have more time, check out other sources as well, such as the great guide to different types of heritage sites by the Finnish Heritage Agency (only in Finnish).

While at the site, remind yourself of the details that were written in the database and think how you'd describe the site yourself. Pay attention to the environment, such as the types of surrounding trees and plants, and think if there's something that could endanger the preservation of the site. If there's some major differences to the information that's written down into the database, report it. Especially, if you notice that the site is damaged or looted, take some photos and inform the Finnish Heritage Agency or the regional museum at once.

After you have visited a few sites yourself and have an idea of what to look for in the nature, take the initiative yourself. First think of your own way of conducting a survey - are you surveying a certain area for all archaeological heritage or are you concentrating to a certain period or type of finds. In any case, prepare by looking into old maps, hillshade models and post-glacial rebound. The more time you spend on the research, easier it gets to locate interesting sites and tying them into their historical context. Remember that even if you're looking for example only for tar kilns, you never know what else you might come across - so keep your mind and eyes open!

Fallen trees can reveal a lot from the past.

When going on the field, choose a weather that gives you good visibility and doesn't make rock-climbing hazardous. While I'm not going to give you clothing tips, you might want to get good shoes and long pants, as tics, snakes and especially mosquitoes are common companions on the field. For the survey itself, you need at least a map, pen and paper, camera and tape measure. I'd highly recommend a good GPS as well, as it makes locating the known sites much easier and is vital for giving new sites coordinates.

While moving in the nature, pay close attention to your surroundings, as even the smallest of details can reveal a lot. Some sites, such as the charcoal pits discussed earlier, don't usually stand out in the nature, so you'll have to pay attention to changes in elevation or the lushness of vegetation. If you discover a site that you've pinpointed on a map or hillshade model, don't just stop there, but also look around for remains that might be connected to the site, but were not marked on the map or are too small to appear on GIS. It's often also good to look for places, where topsoil has been revealed due to forest work or fallen trees, as sometimes they reveal signs of human habitation.

When you make a new discovery, mark down all the details you can, while remembering the examples you had read from the database. Remember to take measurements, coordinates and photos from multiple angles. However, don't take any actions that would harm the site, as even archaeologists need a permit to excavate an archaeological site.

After returning from the field, combine the date from the site with all possible information you had gathered before the survey itself. For example, if the site is visible on a certain historical map or hillshade model, do mention that. If you can already tie the site to local history, such as a charcoal pile to a local ironworks, it's definitely worth mentioning.

Discoveries can be reported to the Finnish Heritage Agency or regional museums. While it's very much appreciated when people report new sites, keep in mind that it might take a while to get a reply and even longer for someone to actually check the site. As Finland has quite much land to cover, visiting a single site might take more time than is sensible to give, so often the site is only visited when there's more than one report from the area. However, the information is stored and sooner or later the site is included among other cultural heritage.

Sometimes one can't even guess what you'll end up discovering.