What do I do if I find an ancient artifact?

Leave It Be

Leave the artifact where you found it. Please don't pick it up, move it, throw it, put it in your pocket or your bag, or bury it.

Who do you call if you find an artifact?

Locate Your Nearest Archaeologist

In addition, if you found it locally, the odds are better that someone local will be able to readily identify something that was made locally. If you don't know which category it falls into, start with any one of these three: historian, archaeologist, geologist.

What do you do if you find an archaeological site?

What do you do if you find Native American artifacts?

First, you should immediately stop the activity that exposed the remains. Secure the location of the remains to ensure that they are not further disturbed or damaged. Coroner.

Is it illegal to sell ancient artifacts?

An important thing to remember is that the artifact trade is not always illegal and damaging. The artifact trade can be made up of museums working together to pass artifacts around for greater study and research diversity. The collaboration can extend to private collections as well.

Found: Bonus - What Do You Do with a Found Artifact? | History

Can you keep artifacts you find?

Taking Artifacts Is Illegal

Federal law protects archeological sites and artifacts on federal lands. You may not dig, collect artifacts, use metal detectors, or deface rock images in national park units. Violations may result in jail time or fines, as well as con- fiscation of equipment.

Can you keep archaeological finds?

And if you find that you have a genuine archaeological site discovered on your land, you may as well be a renter from the government. In the United States, the National Historic Preservation Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act work hand in hand to both preserve and claim artifacts found on U.S. soil.

Is it illegal to dig up Indian artifacts?

It is illegal and unethical to collect artifacts on public lands. Artifacts include anything made or used by humans including arrowheads and flakes, pottery, basketry, rock art, bottles, coins, metal pieces, and even old cans. Collecting artifacts disrupts the archaeological record.

Are Native American artifacts worth money?

While many small stone tools sell for under $50 on auction sites, authenticated, valuable Indian artifacts can be worth much more. Here are some of the most valuable Native American artifacts that have sold on eBay: A carved stone effigy dating from 1000 BC to 400 BC sold for about $2,200 in 2020.

Is it illegal to own Native American artifacts?

Under U.S. law, archaeological materials that are taken from federal or Indian lands without a permit are unlawful. Ancient objects that are found on private land are legal for individuals to own under NAGPRA, although these objects could (very rarely) be subject to a civil claim of superior title by a tribe.

How old does a site have to be to be considered archaeological?

Answer: The law uses “100 years old” to mean very old. Other laws, such as the National Historic Preservation Act, apply to archaeological properties that are 50 years old or older (however, exceptions may apply to properties younger than 50 years).

Who owns found artifacts?

If it's on your property, it's yours to keep. Unless you sign a contract with a government agency, archaeologists, or educational institution which allows the other party to excavate on your property and keep the artifacts that are found, the artifacts are your property.

Do I need an archaeological survey?

When might you need an Archaeological Survey? If you are carrying out any development on a property that is in an area of Historic Importance, you need to have an Archaeological Survey carried out. This could take the form of a Geophysical Survey.

Can you own ancient artifacts?

BUY ONLY LEGALLY ACQUIRED ANCIENT ART

While there are indeed a number of laws governing the sale and purchase of items of cultural patrimony (antiquities), as long as an item has been legally imported into the United States, it's legal to sell and purchase.

How old does an artifact have to be?

Anything over 50 years old may be an artifact!

Archaeologists use a “50 year rule” when thinking about things that may be artifacts.

How do you get artifacts authenticated?

For authentication services, contact an artifact consultant or authenticator. Most will supply you with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) after an item is authenticated. We recommend using authenticators from the same region the artifact was found.

Who can I sell my Indian artifacts to?

Arrowheads.com is the premier place to sell arrowheads and unwanted Indian artifact collections. With access to the best authenticators in the hobby, we are sure to offer you top dollar for your unwanted artifacts. You want to sell.

Can you sell arrowheads you find?

Once you have arrowheads, you can go about selling them a few different ways. You can sell them to ancient artifact buyers, use a website that fosters the sale of authentic ancient artifacts or sell them on your own through an online store or at an artifact event.

Can you legally sell Native American artifacts?

Q: Is it legal to buy and sell Native American artifacts? A: Yes, as long as the items were found in accordance with state and federal laws, they are completely legal to buy, sell, and trade.

Are arrowheads valuable?

While most arrowheads aren't worth much, some of them are worth a fortune. Clovis points are worth more due to their rarity. While other arrowheads made in recent centuries are easy to find, Clovis arrowheads are much harder to come across. Therefore, when found, they can sell hundreds or thousands of dollars.

What is the law on finding treasure?

State Laws

For example, California law requires that anybody who finds property worth $100 or more, and the owner is unknown, must turn the property over to the local police. If the police can find the owner, they must notify him of the found property and return it to him.

What happens if I find treasure in my garden?

Do I get to keep the treasure? Sadly not. If a find isn't classed as treasure, it will be returned to the person who found it (though the landowner has 28 days to object.) If it is deemed to be treasure, it is likely that a museum will wish to acquire it.

Who pays for archaeological digs?

Research excavations can be funded by universities, charities, paying participants or funding bodies, such as the Arts & Humanities Research Council.

How much does an archaeological survey cost UK?

The cost of an archaeological dig starts at £250. The price can increase depending on the work needed to be carried out.