Every person has luck: Morocco beach metal detectorists chase discoveries
The thrill beneath the sand
At Agadir’s Corniche, Mustapha Harmouch sweeps his detector across the sand, listening for the signal of something buried. Around him, surfers, children and families fill the shoreline, but he focuses on the machine’s beep.
Harmouch told Al Jazeera English that not knowing what lies under the sand is part of the excitement. He described the hobby as a way to explore and learn about things he might not otherwise encounter.
Rules and archaeological context
Moroccan law requires authorisation for searches aimed at finding monuments or movable items of historic, archaeological or anthropological importance. Accidental discoveries are subject to reporting requirements, distinguishing them from the loss of a modern coin by a beach visitor.
Underwater archaeologist Basma Oumaima says a fragment, coin or tool can become significant because of its location and the objects around it. She added that detectors can help archaeology when used in a proper survey that locates, records and studies each find in context.
Cleaning up the shoreline
For detectorist Jalal Zegnoune, the hobby also helps remove unwanted metal from beaches. His machine has found coins, jewellery, glasses and watches, as well as rusted sardine-can pieces, nails and lost fishing gear.
Zegnoune said some discarded objects could pose a danger to beachgoers. He also enjoys meeting other people who share the hobby and discussing what they find.
Key points
- Harmouch says the excitement of discovery matters as much as the possibility of profit.
- He reports finding 14 old Moroccan falus near Sidi Ouassay.
- Archaeological searches require authorisation, and accidental discoveries must be reported.
- Detectorist Jalal Zegnoune says removing hazardous metal is one practical benefit.