Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Slavic wooden mask of a human face in Lake Lednica, Poland. The rare artifact dates to around 967 AD and offers a unique look into the spiritual and artistic world of early medieval Poland.
The object was found at Ostrów Lednicki, an island linked to the beginnings of the Polish state. Experts say this is the first discovery of its kind in the region.
Face carved into an ancient support beam
The carving appears on a 1.34-meter (4.4 ft) oak beam that was once part of the settlement’s defensive structure. The face, measuring about 13.5 by 10 centimeters (5.3 by 3.9 inches), was made using both raised and flat carving techniques. It was likely a support beam, bracing the wall and holding back heavy soil.
Orientation hints at spiritual purpose
The carved face was turned toward the lake, not the settlement. Dr. Andrzej Pydyn, who leads the excavation from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, believes this may reflect early Slavic ideas about spirits living in water.
“This exceeded our expectations,” Pydyn said during a presentation at the Museum of the First Piasts in Dziekanowice.
Discovery followed low water levels in 2021
The artifact was uncovered during a four-year research project that began in 2021, after arid weather revealed wooden remains along the lake’s shore. Tree-ring analysis showed the oak was cut down around 967 AD, placing it firmly within the time of the Piast dynasty.
Similar carvings are rarely found at this scale
According to Konrad Lewek from the Centre for Underwater Archaeology, carvings of human figures from this period are extremely rare in Slavic regions. While smaller figurines have been discovered elsewhere, including on Wolin Island, this large-scale example is unique.
Researchers believe the carving was made with care and intention. Its size, style, and placement suggest it may have held religious or protective meaning.
Ostrów Lednicki was a political and religious hub
Ostrów Lednicki was a major center of early Polish power. It featured a ducal residence, a chapel with baptismal pools, and strong defenses. Historians believe some of the first Christian ceremonies in Poland likely took place there.
The site has been studied for over 40 years, making it Poland’s longest-running underwater archaeological project. Previous finds include remains of medieval bridges and weapons. However, none have held as much symbolic meaning as the carved wooden face.
Artifact to be displayed after conservation
Dr. Andrzej Kowalczyk, director of the Museum of the First Piasts at Lednica, said the carving will be on public display in late 2026. Before that, conservation experts must carefully manage the moisture in the wood to prevent cracking and preserve its detailed surface.
The carved face provides rare evidence of how spiritual beliefs and artistic traditions shaped everyday life in early Slavic communities during the formation of the Polish state.
