Urval av arkeologiskt fyndmaterial i fält: en studie av gallringspraxis i Västsverige

Abstract

This essay focuses on the disposal of archaeological material within archaeological fieldwork in Sweden. It explores how archaeological finds are valued and treated in the field with reference to current Swedish regulatory texts and guidelines, and seeks to identify aspects that – directly or indirectly – decide which material is disposed of in the field. Furthermore, it seeks to identify potential problems in the line of actions that ultimately results in the disposal of an archaeological find. The methodology used to investigate the questions asked is a combination of literary studies and a questionnaire composed of questions concerning the disposal of archaeological materials in the field sent out to field archaeologists working in western Sweden. The conclusion is that the disposal of archaeological material in the field is a complex topic, and that there are many aspects – including personal opinions, regional research traditions and varying sizes of examination budgets – that affect the disposal decisions.