Pień, Poland: Unusual child burials discovered in 17th-century cemetery

Archaeologists in the village of Pień, Poland, have discovered unusual child burials at a 17th-century cemetery site. These findings follow the 2022 discovery of a young woman, often referred to as the ‘vampire woman of Pień,’ who was buried with a sickle near her throat and a padlock on her toe.

Recent excavations revealed a child buried face down with their feet secured to the ground using an iron rod. Another child, referred to by anthropologist Dr. Matteo Borrinni as ‘Vladimir,’ was found with heavy stones placed on his shoulders and abdomen. Researchers suggest these practices may have been ritualistic attempts to prevent the deceased from returning to the living, though they note these could also be religious in nature.

Scientists are awaiting genetic analysis to better understand the health and origins of the individuals found at the site. While the burials resemble ‘anti-vampire’ practices documented across Eastern Europe, researchers remain cautious about definitive labels.