there are friesian treasures underfoot in holland
welcome to the land of hilde
In the PWN Water Company’s water collection areas, the Province of North Holland is uncovering the remains of Friesian culture. A small population, depending for their livelihood on the sea and their cattle, are fighting against both the water and the domination of others. A familiar story perhaps, but with an archaeological heritage that is not particularly monumental: farms instead of cities, canoes instead of highways, and daggers instead of forts. It is time for the new Hollanders to get to know the old Friesians once again.
The exhibition ‘Treasures under your Feet’ is the centre for a year full of exciting activities. Young visitors make the acquaintance of Hilde, an astounding reconstruction of a Friesian woman who lived here between 350 and 400 AD. She takes you on a tour of her life, showing you her house, her canoes, and even her own grave. For smaller children there is an archaeological excavation lab, and for the real excavators we explain more about the cultural layout of the area. Until September 2007, at the De Hoep Visitors’ Centre in Castricum.