Research on 12th and 13th century manuscripts from Clairvaux Abbey uncovered that 43 manuscripts were bound in sealskin, contrary to the previous belief of using locally sourced animal leather. The study utilized eZooMS and aDNA analysis to identify specific seal species, including harbor and bearded seals from the northwest Atlantic region. This finding is significant as it demonstrates the complexity of medieval trade and material use in manuscript production.
The study has revealed that the original bindings of many medieval manuscripts at Clairvaux Abbey were crafted from sealskin, not locally sourced leather as previously thought.
Using advanced analysis techniques, researchers identified the specific animal sources of the bindings, uncovering that seal leather had been extensively utilized, including species like harbor seal.
#medieval-manuscripts #clairvaux-abbey #sealskin-bindings #historical-analysis #cistercian-monastery
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