Bone Tiles Replace Ceramic Tiles in Dutch Townhouse
Ancient Cow Bone Floor Discovered During Dutch Townhouse Renovation
Alkmaar, Netherlands – A unique and puzzling floor, partially constructed from cow bones, has been unearthed during renovations of a townhouse in Alkmaar, Netherlands. The discovery has archaeologists scratching their heads, as this unusual building practice has only been documented in a handful of instances within the province of Noord-Holland.
The floor, dating back to the 16th century, features cow metacarpal and metatarsal bones meticulously cut to the same height and arranged in a distinct pattern. In one layer, the bones are positioned with the top surface facing up, while in the alternating layer, the cut underside faces upward.
“The floor tiles had deteriorated due to heavy use, and the bones may have been placed there for practical or symbolic reasons,” explained De Jong, the lead archaeologist on the project. “They could reflect a connection to the craft practiced in that space or represent an economical method for completing the floor.”
The townhouse, built in 1609, sits on the historic Achterdam street. While the bone-inlaid floor is typically associated with the 15th century, archaeologists believe it may be part of an older foundation preserved during the townhouse’s construction.
Excavation of the floor is ongoing, with the team hoping to uncover its original dimensions and gain further insight into its purpose. researchers will also analyze the bones and tiles to pinpoint the precise period when the floor was constructed. This unusual find offers a fascinating glimpse into the resourcefulness and perhaps even the beliefs of the people who lived in alkmaar centuries ago.
Cow Bone Floor Unearths Questions About 16th Century Alkmaar
Alkmaar, Netherlands – A townhouse renovation in the historic city of Alkmaar has unveiled an intriguing mystery: a floor partially constructed from cow bones. Dating back to the 16th century, this unusual building practise has only rarely been documented in the province of Noord-Holland.
The floor, featuring meticulously cut cow metacarpal and metatarsal bones arranged in a distinct pattern, offers few clues about its origin or purpose. “The floor tiles had deteriorated due to heavy use,” explained lead archaeologist De Jong, “and the bones may have been placed there for practical or symbolic reasons.”
While typically associated with the 15th century, the bone-inlaid floor might potentially be part of an older foundation preserved during the townhouse’s construction in 1609. Archaeologists are working to uncover the floor’s original dimensions and gain further insight into its purpose. Analysis of the bones and tiles will help pinpoint the precise period when the floor was constructed.
This extraordinary discovery sheds a light on the resourcefulness and perhaps even the beliefs of the people who walked these floors centuries ago.