New Public Finds and Old Problems: An Overview of 2024

In 2024, approximately 80 detector search permit holders reported archaeological finds of cultural value, 171 find spots were listed. Most of the finds by hobbyists were made in the northern part of Estonia. Information about new finds in the southern part of Estonia is rather scarce. Although some Stone Age and Bronze Age items are included, the majority of the discovered objects can be dated from the Late Iron Age to the Modern Period. The Kaali meteorite iron from Kõljala village, which is not part of the archaeological cultural heritage, deserves special attention. In 2024, it was again noticeable that fewer finds reached the Heritage Board than the number of permit holders would suggest. Three sites discovered by hobbyists were listed as protected archaeological sites, but there are still many sites that need similar protection.