Hundreds of years ago Some people in the Netherlands concluded that the best way to fill gaps in the floor was not with tiles, but with bone.
Municipal archaeologist working in the historic center of Alkmaar in the Netherlands. A historical floor was discovered that was partially tiled with animal bones. This rare feature Announced in the municipality on December 13 statementIt has been recorded only in the province of North Holland. which is usually in the 15th century
“We are very glad to have the opportunity to see this bone floor with our own eyes. It is always an honor to discover something from a bygone era and add new information to Alkmaar's history,” said Nancy de Jong, Alkmaar Municipal Archaeologist. said in a statement
The bone is part of the metatarsal bones of cattle and the metatarsal bones of the foot. And all are cut to the same size. No matter how worn out the floor is But archaeologists were able to detect patterns in the arrangement of the bones. especially The bones are placed vertically. with the spine or tip of the saw facing up.
Archaeologists have seen this before. Similar bone formations have previously been found in floors in Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Edam, with the Hoorn floors being particularly similar. Experts are now wondering if this might have been a common flooring or design method in the 15th century in the Netherlands.
Archaeologists have yet to uncover the newly unearthed bone bed. The corresponding house was built at the beginning of the 17th century, but that does not mean that the floors are from the same century. The archaeologist said It is not uncommon for new homes to be built on older foundations. This means that the floor likely dates to the 15th century, like most other examples of bone floors.
A more interesting question than the date might have been. Why Some people may choose to fill holes in their floor with bones. Archaeologists explain that tiles were not expensive at that time. Therefore, there is no clear economic advantage in using bones, so perhaps they are only meant as fillings. It's not a tile. The team also hypothesizes that this feature might make sense in the context of the type of handicrafts produced there.
“There are many horrifying stories that are still being preserved. It is waiting for our team of archaeologists to find it,” said Anjo van de Ven, Alkmaar Municipality's representative for heritage. “I am always excited when they call me with updates on their findings. What cool things have they discovered so far? – I think that.”
Ultimately, the mystery of the bone floor remains. But hopefully it won't be long as archaeologists continue to investigate the discovery. Meanwhile The rest of the world has clearly discovered a new, long-lasting flooring solution.