‘Quidditching’ and the Emergence of New Heritage Identities — Amateur Metal Detecting in Finland

Abstract

This article analyses the historical formation of the metal-detectorist community in Finland, and, at the same time, shows that its homogeneity is somewhat illusory. The study is based on a questionnaire survey of amateur metal detectorists and professional Finnish archaeologists, and their attitudes towards each other. We combine a statistical examination of the structure and attitudes of the amateur detectorist community with an analysis of the discourse used to define and describe the hobby. In Finland, during the last decade, amateurs have become established as a heritage community with their own opinions, internal discussions, and forms of cohesion, and have attempted to become organized into societies. Examining the practice of detecting through the formation of heritage identities has crucial implications for how the challenges posed by metal detectorists are understood. Archaeologists should not just disseminate information on legislation and the scholarly requirements of archaeological material, but instead endeavour to make cultural heritage more broadly meaningful for a wider audience.