Dutch shoe: 500-year-old wooden clog discovered

The Dutch city of Alkmaar recently made a rare and fascinating discovery – a 500-year-old wooden shoe. This surprising find sheds light on the widespread use of these iconic footwear in Dutch history.

Archeologist Silke Lange shared her excitement about the discovery, highlighting the unique urban context in which the wooden shoe was found. While wooden shoes are typically associated with farmers, this particular shoe was used for daily wear in the city.

The wooden shoe was unearthed from a cesspit during construction in Alkmaar, a city located just 30 km northwest of Amsterdam. The cesspit served as a toilet and waste disposal site from 1450 to 1558, providing valuable insights into daily life during that time period.

Measuring a European size 36 (U.K. size 3.5), the wooden shoe is believed to have been crafted at the end of the 15th or early 16th century. What makes this discovery even more remarkable is that it is the first wooden shoe found in the Netherlands made from birch wood. In fact, only 44 wooden shoes have ever been uncovered during excavations in the Netherlands and Belgium.

This fascinating discovery adds a new chapter to the history of wooden shoes in the Netherlands. It serves as a reminder of the diverse uses of these traditional footwear and provides a glimpse into the daily lives of individuals in centuries past.

With its rich historical significance, the 500-year-old wooden shoe found in Alkmaar is a testament to the enduring legacy of Dutch craftsmanship and culture.

(Source: Reuters)