COLUMN: Meaningful discovery vs. shoebox treasure

It’s the time of year when it’s cool enough for the amateur relic hunters and professional archaeologists to head into the field again.

In search of tangible links to South Carolina’s past, they usually have specific areas already planned and approved as dig sites.

Then there are folks like me who inadvertently happen upon artifacts in a freshly plowed field or peeking out from the edge of a drought-lowered lake.

A couple of years ago, I was in the woods, searching for old family tombstones, and ended up pocketing several strange-looking rocks.

Confident after Googling “rocks used by Native Americans,” I was certain I had found an undiscovered stash of chert rocks, the type of material they used to make tools.

The only thing lacking was to get verification of my great find by a bona fide archaeologist. A simple call and quick visit to the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology in Columbia (803-777-8170, www.cas.sc.edu/sciaa/) not only led to a disappointing identification of the “cool creek rocks” I had brought in, but also sound advice that I promised to share.

State archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Leader said, “Knowing what to do once an artifact is found can make the difference between a meaningful discovery and just another thing to stick in a shoebox.”

He recommends:

-- Knowing who owns the land/water where the artifact is located. This information can be obtained beforehand by visiting many county tax assessor Web sites. Landowners should be notified of any finds and have the right to decide whether to keep the artifact or allow the finder to retain possession.

-- Carrying a local map and/or a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) device. Free maps of Pee Dee counties can be obtained at the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau (843-664-0330, www.florencesccvb.com) and free GPS software is available for download on many cell phones. Leader suggests, “If you find an artifact while having these tools with you, then you are much more likely to have an accurate record of the location. Memory can be very fickle. It’s never a good idea to wait to mark something down.”

-- Being cautious with your find and about where you are.

After recording your location, place a dollar bill or ruler next to the object before taking a photograph of it in its original location. E-mailing a photo of a find to an archaeologist is a great idea versus removing the artifact. Leaving a possible treasure behind goes against the instincts of most folks.

But here’s why it makes sense: “Let’s say a strand of trade beads has gone undisturbed in the ground for over 200 years,” Leader said. “As each bead becomes exposed by harsh weather, they are removed one by one by different people. Separated and not recorded, the beads mean very little, but much can be learned if the beads are collected in a responsible way.”

Leader suggested documenting every individual bead as it’s removed.

“By the time the last bead is documented, it would be clear that a strand had been found,” he said. “It might turn out that the strand is part of a larger site, such as a trade post, Indian village or early farmstead. This is a much more exciting and better use of the find than a single bead stuck away in a sock drawer.”

If you do choose to remove the artifact, it is best not to try and clean it before showing it to an archaeologist. Scrubbing with brushes and household cleaners can often wear away details or cause pieces to break off an object. Keeping it “as is” gives you the best chance of getting an accurate identification.

Immediately report finds of weapons, explosives or possible human bones to local law enforcement officials who can determine it isn’t a modern crime or accident scene. Never remove any artifacts of this type. The 1984 S.C. Cemetery Act protects all burial sites, and anyone disturbing human remains and/or funerary objects can be convicted of a felony and face up to a $2,000 fine.

The Pee Dee offers ample areas to explore and a plethora of history to be discovered. Private collections can be visited or arrangements can be made to bring the artifacts to an office like the S.C. Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, where Leader can document and add the data it reveals to our ever-growing knowledge of South Carolina history.

“The Office of the State Archaeologist is always happy to provide information to the interested public,” Leader said. “We enjoy identifying artifacts in people’s collections and assisting them in the most enjoyable and ethical way to engage with our state’s remarkable past.”

Next time you are out on a hike, take a moment to look around where you are standing. Do you see any signs of the past? If the answer is yes, you now know what to do!

— Gretchen Huggins is a Francis Marion University history graduate. Her column, “Where We Stand,” appears Mondays in the Morning News and on scnow.com. Contact her at peedeehistorygirl@yahoo.com