A rare 500-year-old wooden shoe discovered in the Dutch city of Alkmaar has shed new light on the widespread use of this iconic footwear in the past. Found in an urban cesspit during construction, this remarkable find reveals that wooden shoes were not just for farmers but were commonly worn in cities during the late medieval period.
The discovery was made during the excavation of a cesspit uncovered last month as workers prepared to install an underground waste container in Alkmaar, located about 30 kilometers northwest of Amsterdam. The cesspit, dating back to between 1450 and 1558, had served as a toilet and a waste disposal site.
The wooden shoe, a European size 36 (UK size 3.5), is believed to have been made in the late 15th or early 16th century. What makes this find even more significant is the material: birch wood. It is the first-ever birch wooden shoe found in the Netherlands and one of only 44 wooden shoes discovered through excavations in the Netherlands and Belgium combined.
Archaeologist Silke Lange highlighted the importance of this discovery. “Wooden shoes are often associated with farmers and rural life. This shoe, however, was found in an urban context, demonstrating that they were part of daily urban life in the medieval Netherlands,” Lange explained.
The discovery provides valuable insight into the use of wooden footwear in everyday life during the late medieval period. Wooden shoes were practical, durable, and affordable, making them suitable for a wide range of people, from farmers in the countryside to urban dwellers.
This rare find underscores the historical significance of clogs in Dutch culture. While wooden shoes are often associated with farming and rural traditions today, this discovery reveals their broader role in society centuries ago.
The excavation also contributes to a greater understanding of daily life in Alkmaar during the late medieval era, offering a glimpse into the practicalities and customs of the time. Such discoveries continue to deepen our understanding of the past and the enduring cultural symbols that have shaped Dutch identity.
Visitors and historians alike now have an exciting new chapter to explore in the rich history of wooden footwear, connecting the modern Netherlands to its medieval roots.
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