Finder of ancient ornaments angry at officials

Photo: Kristo Soodla

Kristo Soodla, digging the ground in his native Kõue village, Kose commune, hit an unexpected find at depth of 40 centimetres. «Didn’t know what to think of it, initially. Looked like some bedsprings coming out of the earth,» relates the man. Turns out, we have to do with ancient ornaments, 36 pieces all together: necklets, breast chains, bells and beads.

According to chief inspector Ulla Kadakas of National Heritage Board’s archaeological monuments department, ornaments of this sort are usually found in graves or as hidden treasures at settlements. Ülle Tamla and Mauri Kiudsoo, archaeologists at Tallinn University history institute, estimate the finding to date back to end of 11^th or beginning of 12^th centuries. National Heritage Board, immediately addressed by the landowner, forwarded the ornaments to the Tallinn University institute for conservation and preservation.

Mr Soodla’s joy at the find, however, is marred by the fact that his land happens to be an archaeological «monument», meaning that whenever the man thinks to dig deep, national Heritage Board permission need to be sought. This the man, acquiring the land two month ago, failed to do. Now, to his frustration, the Board ordered water line digging to be stopped. Neither do they desire to pay him finder’s fee.

«Thanks to this find, yesterday, I’ve had two working days totally ruined. I’m beginning to regret the whole thing... Why did I have to dig there, why did I call those folks up, anyway?» says Mr Soodla, with many a complaint to air against the Heritage Board: according to him, the official cast the items in a plastic bag so some of them broke; he was talked to in an angry tone; and no-one has taken the time yet to explain for how long he needs to stop digging the water line.

As told to Postimees by inspector Kadakas, finder’s fees – pursuant to law – only come into play when stuff is found outside of archaeological monuments. Soodla Farmstead, however, sits on one. Ms Kadakas also assures the ornaments were in top shape as they arrived at her institution. «The items have not been damaged, during transportation, more than they were by the act of digging the water line,» said Ms Kadakas.

According to the inspector, Mr Soodla knew his plot was located on archaeological ground as this would have been specified in the notarial act when purchasing the land. «He had to know this was heritage,» stressed Ms Kadakas.

According to her, the landowner was explained what would now be happening: this weekend, the water line course ought to be inspected by an archaeologist, thereafter the Heritage Board would desire to talks future plans over with Mr Soodla, as digging of ground would necessitate preventive archaeological excavation, paid for – pursuant to law – by landowner.  

Even so, as Mr Soodla did the right thing contacting the Board and has only been owner of the land for two months, no misdemeanour procedure will be initiated regarding the man. The Heritage Board is even willing to pay for the necessary archaeological excavations on Mr Soodla’s property, its financing policy favouring the restoration of old farmsteads, said Ms Kadakas.

Still, Mr Soodla vows to only communicate with the Heritage Board via lawyers, from now on. «I would the stuff be still buried there... making my life a lot easier,» sighs the finder.