Archaeological study of 17th-century Polish burial site

Archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University have published a systematic study in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports regarding a 17th-century burial site near the village of Pień in northern Poland. The site contains approximately 101 graves and is believed to have been a Protestant cemetery, as it lacks the crosses and medals typical of Catholic burials from that era.

A central focus of the study is the remains of a young woman nicknamed ‘Zosia’, who was likely between 17 and 20 years old at the time of death. Her burial included macabre precautions intended to prevent her from rising again as a vampire or demon, such as a rusted sickle placed over her throat and a triangular padlock fastened to her left big toe. Lead author Dariusz Poliński noted that the use of these two distinct precautions indicates a “significant fear that the body would rise again.”

New details from the analysis suggest Zosia may have belonged to a wealthy family, as her burial included a silk headwear cap containing expensive gold-gilded and pure silver threads. While DNA analysis revealed a rare maternal genetic lineage with Scandinavian origins, isotope analysis of her teeth indicates she was raised locally in Pień. Researchers also noted the sickle featured a birch handle, a wood believed to possess protective properties.

Recent findings utilizing ancient DNA analysis suggest Zosia may have suffered from severe headaches and potentially a chest tumor. To provide a human dimension to the discovery, forensic artist Oscar Nilsson used a 3D model of the skull and DNA data to reconstruct her face. Researchers also identified a greenish discoloration on her palate and nasal cavity, attributed to traces of a copper and gold object.