The Finnish Archaeological Society (SARKS) Archaeology Days in Turku Finland in 27-28.11.2014.

The two day event started on thursday with the theme "Ethics and Archaeology. I participated in day two which was labeled "Community Archaeology". I believe this was the first time ever when community archaeology was the main theme of a seminar among professional archaeologists in Finland. Great theme and the venue was packed with people.

The venue "Turun upseerikerho" (The Officers Club in Turku)

The previous day had seen some hectic debate around the theme of metal detecting and archaeology. Archaeologists Taisto Karjalainen (from Metsähallitus) and Janne Ikäheimo (University lecturer at Oulu University dpt of Archaeology) raising some very critical voices towards metal detectorists in Finland in general. The debate arouse after archaeologist PhD Anna Wessman spoke about her and Espoo City Museums experiences with involving metal detectorists in their work. Sadly I wasn´t around to comment on  the debate but in my opinion the only move forward is co-operation with the metal detecting community in Finland (especially young people who are into metal detecting).

Way to go in Finland (with a professional archaeologist in the middle)?

I spoke about my very positive experiences working in the field of community archaeology since 1986. I must say that it felt very good to talk about the subject after some very "lonely" years doing what I do in the 1990´s. I tried to emphasize the need for reaching out to the public through the media which I feel is an integral part of all community archaeology projects.

JFArchaeology field school Raseborg (Karis Billnäs Gymnasium) may 2014.

BELOW A LINK TO ULLA RAJALAS BLOG WITH A  GREAT ENTRY (7.12.2014)

http://landscapeperceptions.blogspot.fi/2014/12/metal-detector-men-nazi-barracks-and.html?spref=fb