A rectangular latrine filled with earth was discovered in January 1991 during excavations at Îlot du Rost, an area between Rue de l'Eau, Rue Sigefroi and Rue du Rost in Luxembourg City.

It contained some ceramic bowls, two oak trunks, an abundance of very thin glass fragments – including a spectacular aquamanile in the shape of a stylized rooster – and a unique set of wooden vessels consisting of 28 staved goblets, 30 turned plates and a spoon, all in an exceptional state of conservation.

These wooden elements were preserved due to the anaerobic and humid environment of the latrine. Since the pit had been dug in natural rock, water easily accumulated but could hardly evaporate because of the compact earth fill. Once the wooden tableware had been brought to light, it was transferred to a specialized laboratory at the Schleswig-Holstein State Museum for prehistory and ancient history in Schleswig for a two-year treatment to ensure their conservation.

Dendrochronological dating of the two oak trunks carried out at the State Museum of the Rhineland in Trier have allowed archaeologists to postulate a date of 1306 for the construction of the latrine. The typology of objects found in its stratigraphy suggests that the structure was in use until the early 15th century.

This exceptional set of wooden tableware is a precious testimony of medieval life and thus one of the most important archaeological objects in the MNHA collections.