Many of us have probably found or heard stories about ancient jewellery, coins or stone axes. Perhaps you're keen to try a new pastime of walking through the fields and waving a metal detector and feel the joy of discovery? But what if you find a three-cap coin or a brass horseshoe pin? Can archaeological finds be kept, or should they be sold? And if it is to be given away, who and where to turn? Can a metal detector be used in a neighbour's field, or can one dig in one's own forest?
The exhibition is very relevant today, because movable objects of cultural heritage are constantly being found, but many people do not know what their rights and obligations are when they encounter them, i.e. what to do if they accidentally or purposefully find an archaeological find, and what they must do.
By sharing good and bad practical examples of civic behaviour and illegal activities, by telling stories about criminal activities and the damage they cause, the aim is to educate the public and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving heritage. The showcases subtly distinguish between artefacts presented and donated to the Department of Cultural Heritage or museums and those acquired through illegal means. The visitor can compare the unfortunately uneven distribution of good and bad cases.
The exhibition tells the story of the diversity of archaeological finds and monuments, and introduces the legal framework and the institutions protecting them. Avoiding harsh tones or intimidating lectures, the visitor is left to decide who owns our common past, which we can only (re)create together.
The exhibition will be accompanied by public lecture series inviting to discuss legal and illegal actions towards cultural property, the return of art objects, restitution, cross-border obligations, with the aim of broader public engagement and awareness of the consequences of illegal trade in cultural property and preventive measures.
