afterfinds

An afterfind is a term used in archaeology and related fields to describe artifacts or features discovered after an initial excavation or survey has concluded. These findings can occur for several reasons. Sometimes, new evidence, such as changes in land use or the development of more sensitive detection technologies, prompts a re-examination of a previously explored site. Other times, afterfinds result from natural processes like erosion or agricultural activity that disturb the ground and bring previously buried items to the surface. Accidental discoveries by the public, such as metal detectorists or construction workers, also contribute to the pool of afterfinds.

The significance of afterfinds lies in their potential to add new information or alter existing interpretations of a site or historical period. They can confirm or refute hypotheses generated during the original fieldwork, reveal previously unknown aspects of past human activity, or provide context for artifacts that were unearthed earlier. Documenting and analyzing afterfinds is an important part of responsible archaeological practice, ensuring that all available evidence is considered. However, the context of afterfinds can sometimes be compromised due to their unexcavated nature, making their interpretation more challenging than items recovered through systematic archaeological methods.