Medieval bestiaries, crafted by scribes, often featured bindings made from various animal hides. Unique manuscripts from Clairvaux Abbey in northeastern France, however, exhibit unusual hairy covers that do not conform to commonly used materials like calfskin or boar. These distinctive coverings, part of the abbey’s extensive 12th and 13th-century library, require further examination to identify their animal source, as hair follicle analysis does not match known animals typically associated with fur bindings, indicating an innovative yet mysterious bookbinding technique.
The peculiar furry covers of medieval manuscripts from Clairvaux Abbey challenge previous assumptions, hinting at an unidentified animal source and showcasing innovative binding techniques.
Clairvaux Abbey housed a vast library, and its Romanesque manuscripts—often adorned with unshorn leather—are now seen to have been made from unexpected animal sources.
Bioarchaeologist Matthew Collins emphasizes the mystery of the hairy tomes, noting their distinct roughness and how they differ from typical calfskin, thus calling for further investigation.
While traditional beliefs attribute the furry bindings to boars or deer, examinations reveal that the hair follicles do not match these mammals, indicating a unique source.
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