Central to this study are the osseous artefacts of the Merovingian site of Oegstgeest Nieuw Rhijngeest-Zuid. It is one of the rare microwear studies focusing on bone and antler artefacts from a...Show moreCentral to this study are the osseous artefacts of the Merovingian site of Oegstgeest Nieuw Rhijngeest-Zuid. It is one of the rare microwear studies focusing on bone and antler artefacts from a Dutch Medieval context. The sixty-one bone and antler artefacts were recovered between 2009 and 2012. The material consisted of the following (morphological) categories: two-pointed bone rods, pointed bones, hemispherical objects, long bones, irregular bones with holes, worked antler, small pieces of worked bone and antler, combs and pins. Some unfinished artefacts and waste was also found. The artefacts were subjected to both archaeozoological and microwear analyses. One of the aims was to bring into view the organisation and production of the osseous artefacts. The raw material was selected on the basis of the natural shape, weight and other properties like flexibility. Antler was relatively flexible and often used for the production of composite combs. With regard to the local production, it is likely that most bone objects were produced by the user when needed. While most bone objects probably derived from a household production, antler artefacts (mainly composite combs) would have been purchased or traded with travelling craftsmen or merchants. This study also examined to what degree the various artefact forms were function specific. The osseous tools can be linked to different activities, various contact materials and involve different directions of motion and activity zones. Especially pins and two-pointed bone rods appeared to have been used in several crafts or were reused or multifunctional. Finally, it was investigated in which (craft) activities the osseous artefacts were involved, and what they revealed about the role of Oegstgeest within the Early Medieval region of the Old Rhine. The osseous artefact assemblage could be connected to several activities and common spheres: transport, leisure activities, personal utensils, symbolic or ritual activities and craft activities. There are no indications that the production of osseous artefacts, nor the craft activities in which they were involved, transcended the needs of the local inhabitants. Based on the study of the osseous artefacts, a regional function within the former region of the Old Rhine in the domain of crafts and/or raw material is not implied.Show less
