Detecting Modern Conflicts: Metal Detector Survey and Distribution Analysis as Tools for Understanding Slovenian Mass Execution Sites

Abstract

The paper examines the applicability of a metal detector survey and distribution analysis  of mostly metal objects at four post-World War II mass execution sites in Kocevski Rog,  Slovenia. All locations were surveyed with the intent to gather the material evidence,  reconstruct the events and identify areas of different activities. With the distribution  analysis, we were able to reconstruct pathways leading through forest to the execution  sites; places of untying, undressing and restricting of the victims; and places of shooting.  Locations with discarded and sometimes burned clothing, equipment and personal  belongings were also found, containing various metal and non-metal objects. Metal  detector survey and distribution analysis of objects proved to be an excellent tool for  researching, interpreting and reconstructing poorly documented events, such as World  War II and post-war extrajudicial mass executions.