MetDect_README *** Main dataset of the MetDect project *** Author: Tuuli Kurisoo School of Humanities, Tallinn University Corresponding author: Tuuli Kurisoo Contact information: tuuli.kurisoo@tlu.ee *** General Introduction *** This dataset contains data collected and organised at Tallinn University, as a part of the MetDect project ("Metal-detected past: a study of long-term developments in settlement patterns, technology and visual culture on the example of metal-detector finds from Estonia" funded by the European Commission, Grant Agreement ID: 101003387). The main dataset contains information on metal-dected artefacts found in Estonia and identified by local archaeologists in the form of expert opinions (EH for short). Each record corresponds to one artefact, regardless of its condition (e.g. fragmented, burnt) or determination (e.g. unidentifiable), as long as it is recorded in the EH. Information is provided on artefact types, dates, contexts and general location. The MetDect dataset contains nearly 42,000 records. Sensitive information (excat location information) is not publicly available. The supplementary dataset shows how the EH-s are systematised for the main dataset. The number of EH-s is almost 800 and all EH-s were completed between 2013-2021. *** Purpose of the data collection *** The purpose of the data collection is closely linked to the main objectives of the MetDect project, which are: a) to create a dataset of metal-detected artefacts from Estonia; b) to investigate related issues with a focus on settlement patterns, technology and visual culture; c) to contribute to the wider debate on the use of metal detectors by private indivduals in Europe. These data were collected and compiled as a part of the MetDect project work package (WP) 1. *** Description of the data in this dataset *** The dataset consists of three files: 'MetDect_README.txt' - this file 'Main dataset of the MetDect project.xlsx' - spreadsheet that contains information on metal-detector finds from Estonia 'Systematisation of expert reports for the MetDect dataset.xlsx' - spreadsheet containing information on how the EH-s were systematised *** Main dataset of the MetDect project *** *** General information *** Leiu ID = Find ID number EH nr = Expert opinion (short EH) ID number Nr EH-s = Number of find in expert opion Leidmise aeg = Year of finding Foto ID = Photo ID (photos avaliable at leiuatlas.ee/atlas) Kommentaar = General remark *** Determination *** Kategooria = Find category Leiuliik = General artefact type (e.g. brooch) Leiutüüp = Artefact type (e.g. penannular brooch) Leiutüübi täpsustus = Spesification of artefact type (e.g penannular brooch with rolled terminals) Materjal = material Find category E_R = Jewellery and clothing accessories KV = Items that are connected to trade M = Unidentified objects R_RO = Weapons and weapons accessories T = Production-related items T_IT = Everyday items *** Finding location *** Kontekst = Find context Maakond = Find location (County) Leiukoha täpsus = Precion of location data (not publicly available) Laiuskraad (B) = Geographical coordinate (B) of the site (not publicly available) Pikkuskraad (L) = Geographical coordinate (L) of the site (not publicly available) General distristibution of finds avaliable at: leiuatlas.ee/atlas *** Dating *** Üldine dateering = Gereral date (e.g. period) EH dateering = Date written in expert opion Dateeringu algus = Start year of the date Dateeringu lõpp = End year of the date General date KiA = Stone Age PrA = Bronze Age RA = Iron Age MU = Prehistory KeA = Middle Ages UA = Modern Period t = Nowadays (e.g. 20th and 21th century) M = Date unknown *** Systematisation of expert reports for the MetDect dataset *** EH nr: Expert opion (short EH) ID number (consisting of the number and date of the expert opinion, for example EH_1_2016) Ekspert: Author of the expert opion Pealkiri: Title of the expert opinion (short reference) The identities of the finders (first name and surname) and the cadastral units of the sites are anonymised in the titles with three asterisks (***)