Around twelve thousand years ago, the landscape surrounding De Banen pond looked completely different. On a sand dune between De Banen and Het Vlakwater, small groups of hunters set up temporary camps. Today, we know them as the Tjonger people: the last reindeer hunters of northwestern Europe.
They lived in a rapidly changing world. The Ice Age was coming to an end, the climate was becoming milder, and the open tundra gradually gave way to birch and pine forests. Reindeer migrated northwards, while deer, wild boar and smaller animals took their place. To survive, the Tjonger people had to adapt their way of life.
The location between the two ponds was ideal. Water was readily available, animals came to drink, and the elevated sandy ridge gave the hunters a clear view of their surroundings. The enormous quantity of flint left behind suggests that they stayed here for more than just a brief visit. Amateur archaeologists from the Houben and Verheijen families discovered hundreds of tools here, including arrowheads, scrapers and burins. The Tjonger people used these tools to work animal hides, make clothing and craft everyday objects. Most of their flint came from the Meuse River area.
In addition to hunting, they gathered berries, nuts and edible roots. Their lives were difficult and uncertain, but they were also resourceful. The traces found around De Banen reveal how people learned to adapt to a changing environment thousands of years ago.
Visitor tip:
Combine your visit with a trip to Eynderhoof Open-Air Museum in Nederweert-Eind. The extensive Houben and Verheijen collection is on display in the museum's archaeology department.
PLEASE NOTE: The route to the location follows a walking and cycling path. This is a side path off Banendijk in Nederweert-Eind.
Also find the other Archeo Route Limburg locations