Archaeologists investigate Polish burial and rituals to prevent return of the dead

In Poland, archaeologists studying a 17-to-19-year-old woman buried in Pień discovered unusual items placed with her remains suggesting fears she might return from the dead.

The team examined the grave first because of its unique features, a closed padlock on the big toe and a sickle positioned to sever the head if the body rose.

Analyses revealed the young woman had Scandinavian origins, a high social status indicated by silk and gold thread in her clothing, and no obvious cause of death from illness or injury. The researchers determined the sickle was placed in the grave after the initial burial, likely as a precaution against the woman’s return. They also found a green discoloration on her teeth and cervical vertebrae caused by oxidized copper, manganese, and gold, indicating something metallic was placed in her mouth.

Archaeologists believe the padlock and sickle were attempts to symbolically limit the woman's activity after death, but the reason for these fears remains unclear. The woman’s Scandinavian ancestry might have set her apart from the local Slavic community, or other unknown social factors may have led to her being ostracized. The team plans to continue examining the site and other graves to understand more about the community and the circumstances surrounding this woman’s life and death.