The Attack on the Tooth Worm

Abstract

A unique approach to heritage interpretation; by analysing and reconstructing medieval dental treatments through research and re-enactment. It is the year 1350 in Gravendam, the medieval town of Archaeological Open-air Museum (AOAM) Archeon in the Netherlands. There is a great deal of commotion on the street when the master cabinetmaker, John, screams out in pain and despair caused by a cavity in one of his molars. The sound of his scream is heard by everyone! His wife, Marte, tries to reassure him, at the same time scolding him for not going to see the barber surgeon, Master William, sooner. She pushes him into the workshop of Master William, who is ready to examine the poor patient. A crowd has gathered outside the workshop, all curious to see what horrific scenes are about to take place.

Keywords

• medicin
• living history
• late middle ages
• the netherlands