Conservation through recognition: material culture research as a heritage management tool for conflict sites

Abstract

• In Scotland (UK) Treasure Trove law requires all discoveries of archaeological objects, regardless of age or composition, to be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit (TTU) based in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh. This capacity to record and scrutinize a broad range of artifacts allows the Unit to build a significant body of comparable material, which reflects the diversity and unique character of Scotland's archaeological record. This has become an important heritage management tool utilized to great effect in recognizing the presence of previously unknown conflict sites. This article provides an overview of the TTU's active role in the identification and heritage management of conflict sites in Scotland using outreach programs, educational tools, small-scale surveys, and most critically, recording of public finds reported to the Unit. Two case studies are provided as examples of the unit's success.