Key Challenges to the Archaeological Heritage Preservation in Kuzbass. Part I: "Archaeological Treasure Hunting"

Abstract

Preservation of archaeological heritage objects (AHO) in Kuzbass is one of the tasks on the formation of a fund of objects of historical and cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. The paper characterizes the key challenges to AHO preservation, one of which is the so-called amateur "archaeological treasure hunting", and offers possible solutions. The research was based on law and media analysis. The contemporary legal framework of the Russian Federation provides the necessary conditions for AHO preservation. For instance, it regulates the procedure for search and extraction of artifacts from archeological sites. Amateur "archaeological treasure hunting" is illegal but extremely popular. The situation in Kuzbass stays within the national trends. However, the authors managed to define some regional specifics. First, the local treasure hunters demonstrate a high level of social publicity in their attempt to legalize their activities. Second, they focus mostly on Modern Age artifacts. The authors claim the urgency of the problem and propose a number of solutions, e.g. media marginalization of the " black archaeology", a targeted public protection of Modern Age archaeological sites, prompt interception of illegal "treasure hunting", etc.