I suppose that represents a good conservationist ethic and is a good move
toward limiting the antiquities trade. But I don't think the rule
meaningfully applies to a metal detector who destroys the ground's
stratigraphy and an object's context even if he/she then leaves the object
behind. The object itself is not the whole game.

Phil

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Henderson <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2000 8:27 PM
Subject: Re: clandestine digging or dough


>I know this thread is old and cold, but I would like to respond to the
request
>
>Philip Levy wrote:
>
>>  Is there a powerful antipothuntng argument
>> that is better than the one I outlined in the second paragraph? I know
that
>> there are lots of strong feelings here, but I would be interested if
anyone
>> has mounted a persuasive and effective argument against pothunting that
>> pothunters can recognize.
>>
>> Phil Levy
>
>Leave No Trace(LNT), Inc. [  http://www.lnt.org/  ] has developed six
principles
>of outdoor ethics.  The one applying to archeology (and all collecting) is:
>"4. Leave what you find"....'so others may have the thrill of discovery.'
>This simple message seems to play quite well with students, scout groups,
civic
>organizations and visitors  in my small rural western US community for
people
>who already see some use beyond commercial value for the pieces of the
past.
>When the message can be reinforced by the availability of public
participation
>programs in archeological research it can be very heartening.  Also when
>presented along with the other LNT principles it does not seem as heavy
handed
>or self serving, but part of a world view that stresses getting along with
>others in this increasingly crowded world.  Resource use sustainability and
>environmentally conscious behavior is of concern to many citizens in many
>nations as has been alluded to by other commentators on this topic.
Again I
>apologize if this topic is stale for the list.
>Mark Henderson (not on duty)
>Ely, Nevada USA
>