[A discovery of horseshoes from the 17th century in Kiesen in Bern canton].

The research is about the discovery of 17th-century horseshoes discovered in Kiesen, Bern canton, alongside a horse skeleton. The horseshoes aided in determining the age of the skeleton using the radiocarbon dating method.

Context of the Study

• The study was conducted in Kiesen, in the Bern canton, where four horseshoes were discovered in association with a horse skeleton.
• The location and time of discovery suggests that these artifacts date back to the 17th century.

Research Methodology

• The research utilized radiocarbon dating, an effective method for determining the age of archeological finds that contain organic material.
• While the method is usually employed directly on the skeletal remains, in this case, it was used indirectly, with the discovered horseshoes providing essential data.

Documenting and Analyzing Findings

• The research team thoroughly documented the discovered horseshoes, with detailed images and scaled drawings.
• This documentation followed a comprehensive description and discussion of the findings, thus providing thorough understanding and analysis of the items.
• The analyzed data helped provide an approximate age of the horse skeleton, thereby serving as a basis for further studies and interpretations related to equine history and equestrian activities in the region during the 17th century.

Implications of the Study

• The research provides a glimpse into the history and life in Bern Canton during the 17th century, particularly the role of horses in society.
• The findings also suggest that the area could yield more similar historical artifacts, opening avenues for more detailed exploration and research.
• Moreover, the methodology of using horseshoes for indirect radiocarbon dating could serve as a precedent for future archaeological investigations with a similar context.