Scientists reconstruct face of 400-year-old ‘vampire’ buried with sickle across her neck in Poland
Pien: Scientists have unveiled the reconstructed face of a woman known as Zosia, who was buried over 400 years ago in Poland and labelled a vampire by the local community.
The remains of Zosia were discovered in 2022 by a team of archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University in an unmarked cemetery in Pien. Archaeological findings indicated that she was buried with a padlock on her foot and an iron sickle across her neck, as reported by Reuters. Among other bodies found at the site was a “vampire” child buried face down, similarly padlocked.
The research team found that items such as the sickle, padlock, and specific types of wood found at the grave site were believed to possess magical properties intended to protect against vampires.
"It's really ironic; these people burying her, they did everything they could in order to prevent her from coming back from the dead. We have done everything we can in order to bring her back to life,” Swedish archaeologist Oscar Nilsson was quoted as saying by the news agency.
Nilsson noted that Zosia lived during a tumultuous time in 17th century Europe, a period marked by war and widespread fear, which likely fuelled beliefs in supernatural creatures. Aged 18-20 when she died, analysis of her skull suggested she may have suffered from a health condition that caused fainting and severe headaches, as well as possible mental health issues.
In a Facebook post, Nilsson shared that, according to legend, Zosia was initially buried only with a padlock. However, when villagers began experiencing a series of unexplainable bad luck, they felt compelled to take additional precautions.
"They opened her grave, found the padlock now open, and in great panic placed the sharp blade of a sickle over her neck," Nilsson wrote. "In case she would arise," he added.
The reconstruction process involved creating a 3D printed replica of Zosia's skull, followed by meticulously layering plasticine clay to recreate her facial features.
Nilsson aimed to bring Zosia back “as a human” rather than as the “monster” she was buried as. He expressed that it is emotional to watch a face coming back from the dead, especially when one knows the story of this young girl.
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Gill, KL Rahul resist England bowlers to take India to 174/2 on Day 4
Manchester, Jul 26 (PTI): Skipper Shubman Gill and KL Rahul made resolute fifties as India gallantly fought England bowlers to reach 174 for two at stumps on Day 4 of the fourth Test here on Saturday.
Gill (78 batting) and Rahul (87 batting) added 174 runs for the unbroken third wicket stand after India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai.
Sudharsan in the first over of the second innings itself to pacer Chris Woakes.
The visitors now trail England by 137 runs..
India started their second innings 311 runs behind England after the hosts made an imposing 669 all out in their first dig.
England extended their grip on the match through skipper Ben Stokes who made his 14th Test hundred, a 198-ball 141.
For India, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was the most successful bowler with a four-wicket haul.
Brief scores:
India 1st innings: 358 all out & 174/2 in 63 overs (Gill batting 78, KL Rahul batting 87; Woakes 2/48).
England: 669 all out in 157.1 overs (Joe Root 150, Ben Stokes 141, Ben Duckett 94, Zak Crawley 84; Ravindra Jadeja 4/143).
