What should be done in the event of a chance discovery of an archaeological artefact or a less fortuitous temptation to pick it up?

The law is clear: just like excavations, prospecting, and collecting archaeological artefacts is regulated in most countries of the world, as it is primarily a matter of national archaeological heritage.

All prospecting, especially the collection of archaeological artefacts must be authorised by the concerned institution, on the basis of a file with maps and authorisations from the land owners, a pre- agreement of devolvement - becoming of the material - to a particular museum, etc.) and will involve the submission of a report with an inventory, photographic documentation, etc). 

In the event of an accidental discovery (that of the farmer who notices a polished axe in his field, or of the walker who notices a knapped piece by the side of the road, both the "discoverer" and the owner are required to notify the mayor of the municipality, who will inform the institution concerned (regional museum, heritage department, etc). 

And why these restrictions? Because any artefact removed loses most of its scientific information value. It is already separated from its context: a polished axe brought to the surface through ploughing may come from a tomb whose brittle bones have gone unnoticed. A biface may sign a layer containing material that is less recognisable – except for the specialist – from the Early or Middle Palaeolithic. Then, even if the collector remembers the location of his discovery for some time, this information will generally be lost in the next generation. In the third generation, it is unlikely that any of the grandfather's "notes" or directions will remain. The pieces collected will be completely lost to knowledge. 

This is also a very important goal in this presentation: to show that the artefacts only make sense, only provide information as a whole with the knowledge of their location, and in relation to others which reliable archaeological excavations have made it possible to date. Archaeology does not consist of collecting groups of artefacts to be mounted on showcases. As we have seen, it consists of methodically studying them, with knowledge of their context, in order to draw information on the humanities of the Past. 

In practice, and in mind, one must resist the temptation for personal collection. And any information, for example with photos regarding the object and an indication of the location on a photocopy of a map, must be passed on, even if the museum or institution responsible will not have the time to come and see, or thank you.

And if the museum or institution declares the object to be of interest, it would at least be "noble" to lend it to them for study, and even agree to bequeath it to them (by legacy or donation) in the interest of all. It is thanks to such reports, which dot the maps, that archaeologists have been able to reconstruct the journey of remarkable artefacts over hundreds of kilometres (such as axes and daggers, to which we will return later). 

Do not give such artefacts to other people, as this will further misplace the pieces. Even less to sell (or buy...), let alone abroad, which in Europe is strictly forbidden without special authorisation. And equally, resist buying abroad, which can be a big problem at border crossings... 

The archaeological heritage is a national responsibility and is even the heritage of the entire humanity, past, present and future. 

If you are interested in taking part in prospecting or excavating, the best solution is to get in touch with local amateurs associations that are authorised to do so or contact the nearest museum (departmental or regional), or a university where archaeology, history or anthropology is taught. 

Participating in an organised collaborative effort, in fields such as Archaeology or Natural Sciences, will be much more interesting than trying to do it alone. 

Jacques Pelegrin,  
Prehistorian at the CNRS,
  
with the friendly rereading of Catherine Louboutin,
  
Chief Curator of Heritage, Musée d'Archéologie Nationale, Saint- Germain-en-Laye.