Centuries-old Bone Patched Floor Unearthed in the Netherlands
In a surprising turn of events, a building renovation in Alkmaar, Netherlands, has led to the discovery of a centuries-old tile floor that has been partially filled with sawed-off bones. However, these bones are not of human origin but rather from dozens of cows, leaving archaeologists puzzled by this unusual find.
The Mysterious Bone Floor
During the renovation of an early-17th-century building in Alkmaar’s red-light district, archaeologists were called in to examine the worn tile floor. What they found was truly remarkable – a gap in the floor filled with the leg bones of cows, specifically metatarsals and metacarpals. These bones, which correspond to the foot and palm bones in humans, were used to patch up the floor, raising questions about the purpose behind this unconventional repair.
Alkmaar city archaeologist Nancy de Jong expressed her excitement about the discovery, stating, “We were very happy to have the chance to see this bone floor with our own eyes. It is always a privilege to uncover something from a long-gone era and add new information to the history of Alkmaar.”
Unraveling the Mystery
Despite the intriguing nature of this find, researchers are still unsure about the origins of the bone floor and why chopped-up cattle bones were used in its construction. While tiles were readily available during that time period, the presence of cow bones suggests a deliberate choice that may be linked to the building’s former use.
Alkmaar, known for its cheese market and rich history of cheese-mongering, has a long-standing tradition in the dairy industry. However, the connection between the cow bones in the floor and this tradition remains unclear. Councillor for heritage Anjo van de Ven emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating, “There are still so many hidden stories waiting for our team of archaeologists to come and find them.”
Future Investigations
Further investigation of the “floor of bones” is planned as archaeologists aim to unravel the extent of the bone floor and understand how it was utilized in the past. This unique find sheds light on the historical practices and traditions of Alkmaar, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
As archaeologists delve deeper into this mysterious discovery, the ancient secrets of Alkmaar’s past are slowly being unveiled, providing a fascinating insight into the lives of those who once walked upon this bone-patched floor.
