Unearthing the “Vampire of Pień”: New Insights from a 17th-Century Grave!

A team of archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland, has revealed a reconstructed image of a woman buried in a unique 17th-century “vampire” grave near the village of Pień, in Dąbrowa Chełmińska. Discovered in 2022 by a team led by Professor Dariusz Poliński, this grave contained unusual burial items—a sickle positioned across the neck and a padlock fastened to the left big toe—signifying attempts to prevent the deceased from rising from the dead.

A Glimpse into Superstitious Beliefs of 17th-Century Europe

Dubbed “the Vampire of Pień,” this burial reflects a time in European history when fears of vampires and supernatural forces deeply influenced communities. During the 17th and 18th centuries, superstition held that the dead could return to harm the living, and people took precautions to avoid this. This grave’s peculiar objects align with these beliefs, hinting at how communities sought to control supposed threats from the supernatural.

Photo Credit: “Evolution” Educational Association of Torun

Reconstructing the Woman’s Appearance

The reconstruction was part of the interdisciplinary Pień Project, which involved a range of experts, including anthropologists, medical professionals, and forensic specialists. A 3D model of the woman’s skull was used to create her likely appearance. Dr. Alicja Drozd-Lipińska from the Museum in Włocławek conducted the initial anthropological studies, while Dr. Łukasz Czyżewski from the Nicolaus Copernicus University’s Institute of Archaeology prepared materials to 3D-print the skull. DNA analysis and isotopic research, shared by the Toruń-based Educational Association “Evolution,” indicate that the woman may have had Scandinavian ancestry.

Photo Credit: “Evolution” Educational Association of Torun

The Medical Mystery: A Potential Source of Superstition

Medical examinations revealed that the woman had a hemangioma—a benign tumour—in her sternum. This condition, which could have caused chest pain and visible deformities, was identified using tomographic scans. Hematologist Maria Czyżewska consulted experts in radiology, orthopaedics, and pathology to better understand the condition’s potential symptoms, such as fainting spells, which might have marked her as “different” in the eyes of her community. Dr. Heather Edgar, a forensic anthropologist from the University of New Mexico, confirmed the tumour’s link to symptoms that could explain why she might have been perceived as unusual or even “dangerous.”

The research team conducted thorough DNA testing, led by Dr. Magnus Lundgren from Uppsala University’s Ancient DNA programme, alongside isotopic analysis by Ph.D. candidate Paige Lynch from the University of New Mexico. Together, these studies helped reconstruct her appearance, providing valuable insights into her heritage and life.

Continued Exploration at the Pień Cemetery

Ongoing research at the Pień cemetery promises further discoveries. Fieldwork conducted in 2024 included using UV lamps to examine bone surfaces, a method led by researcher Karol Woliński. Geophysical studies by Wiesław Małkowski’s team from the University of Warsaw have also revealed anomalies in the soil, indicating potential additional burials. With new digs scheduled for 2025, researchers hope to uncover more secrets from this fascinating site.

This discovery offers a glimpse into how deeply superstition impacted historical burial practices and serves as a reminder of how communities dealt with perceived supernatural threats. Each new piece of information brings us closer to understanding not just the “Vampire of Pień,” but the beliefs and fears of an earlier era.