In 2014, archaeological excavations in advance of development were carried out by Monument Vandekerckhove nv at the edge of the village of Oostvleteren (West Flanders). They revealed the remains of a medieval metallurgical workshop dating from the late 10th to early 11th centuries. Established on the outskirts of the pagus of the Yser, the estate of Fletrinio in pago Isseretio is typical of the Flemish maritime plain during this period. The working of copper-based alloys, silver and also iron highlights the economic role and the social importance of the site whose centre, with its church, had an early castle next to it. The finds from a single pit provide evidence of the activity of the workshop, and they were studied using both qualitative and quantitative methods. They shed light on the different aspects of production and its intensity. The techniques of casting and of silver refining by cupellation, the quality and provenance of the clay and the alloys used, the evidence of brass cementation, as well as the range of objects produced are filling a gap in our knowledge for the period and the area. Taking into account the related environmental issues and historical framework, the multiple skills of the craftsman are considered, as are his origins and whether he was settled or itinerant. It appears that in an environment favourable to maritime and commercial exchanges, the Oostvleteren workshop produced small series of decorative objects, most probably harness fittings and riding equipment for a privileged clientele. En 2014, les fouilles archéologiques préventives réalisées par Monument Vandekerckhove aux abords du village d’Oostvleteren (Flandre occidentale) ont révélé les vestiges d’un atelier métallurgique daté entre la fin du Xe et le début du XIe siècle. Établi aux confins du pagus de l’Yser, le domaine de Fletrinio in pago Isseretio est caractéristique des propriétés qui se développent dans la plaine maritime flamande à cette période. Le travail conjoint des alliages à base de cuivre et de l’argent ainsi que du fer y met en exergue le rôle économique et l’importance sociale du site dont le noyau d’habitat, doté d’une église, est tôt adossé à une résidence castrale. Une unique fosse témoigne de cet atelier dont les nombreux déchets ont été étudiés à l’aide de méthodes qualitatives et quantitatives. Ils éclairent les différents aspects de la production et permettent d’en apprécier l’intensité. Les techniques de fonderie et de l’affinage de l’argent par coupellation, la qualité et la provenance des terres utilisées, les alliages mis en œuvre, les indices de l’élaboration du laiton par cémentation, ainsi que le répertoire des objets fabriqués sont mis en lumière, comblant une lacune pour la période et la région. Prenant en compte les enjeux environnementaux et définissant le cadre historique, étroitement corrélés, la polyvalence d’un artisan, sa sédentarité, sa mobilité voire son origine sont mises en question. Il en ressort que, dans un environnement favorable aux échanges maritimes et commerciaux, l’atelier d’Oostvleteren a produit de petites séries d’objets de la parure, très probablement liée à l’équipement du cheval et du cavalier, au bénéfice d’une clientèle privilégiée.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2019
During the preventive archaeological excavation in the cellar of the site of petite Rue des Bouchers in the historical centre of Brussels (Belgium), the waterlogged remains of a thirteenth century AD sunken byre (potstal) were discovered. The exceptional preservation instigated a multiproxy approach, including micro-archaeology, micromorphology, phytolith and endoparasite egg analysis on thin sections, palynology and the study of plant macroremains on the fill of the structure. Beyond permitting to detail the content and the multiple origins of the fill (including excremental waste and urines, fodder and bedding material, plaggen and/or soil sods, household and construction waste), this study also provides detailed insights into the foddering customs, hygienic conditions within the stable, and the health status of the animals kept. On a more general scale this study documented late medieval farming practices in Brussels, more specifically the need to collect substantial amounts of manure to add as fertilizer onto the cultivated poor sandy soils.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2025
