When an ancient artefact is discovered, such as a coin, brooch or pot, it is still the property of the person who owns the land where it was found. More often, less spectacular finds but which are equally interesting to archaeology, such as copper coins, small bronze brooches, potsherds and flints are picked up.

Why is it important to find artifacts?

Artifacts are immensely useful to scholars who want to learn about a culture. Archaeologists excavate areas in which ancient cultures lived and use the artifacts found there to learn about the past. Artifacts have provided essential clues about life in ancient Egypt.

What happens if you find artifacts on your property?

If its on your property, its 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.

Is it illegal to find arrowheads?

All artifacts found on public lands are protected by state and federal laws*. 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.

What can artefacts tell us?

Artifacts include tools, clothing, and decorations. Archaeologists use artifacts and features to learn how people lived in specific times and places. They want to know what these peoples daily lives were like, how they were governed, how they interacted with each other, and what they believed and valued.

Can I buy artifacts?

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, its legal to sell and purchase.

Can you buy Viking artifacts?

Genuine Viking artifacts, including various types of weaponry and assorted jewelry, can be purchased by buyers ranging from Viking culture enthusiasts to serious antiquities collectors. Viking beads can be had for less than a hundred dollars, while items like swords and axes can cost thousands.

Can artifacts be modern?

Cultural artifact is a more generic term and should be considered with two words of similar, but narrower, nuance: it can include objects recovered from archaeological sites, i.e. archaeological artifacts, but can also include objects of modern or early-modern society, or social artifacts.