Flower pollen and goose feathers discovered in 9,000-year-old burial. Flower pollen identified near the shaman's head suggesting floral adornment at burial Plants include devil's bit scabious, meadowsweet, mullen, buttercup, birch leaves, buckthorn bark, hops, and lady's mantle Many plants had medicinal properties (diuretic, laxative, sedative, wound treatment)
Pollen analysis near this Mesolithic shaman's skull reveals floral adornments at burial - including devil's bit scabious, meadowsweet, and buttercup. Many plants had medicinal properties (diuretic, laxative, sedative). Goose feathers in the headdress were confirmed via micro-analysis - and an artist's earlier reconstruction had already correctly depicted them!
Key Facts
- Flower pollen identified near the shaman's head suggesting floral adornment at burial
- Plants include devil's bit scabious, meadowsweet, mullen, buttercup, birch leaves, buckthorn bark, hops, and lady's mantle
- Many plants had medicinal properties (diuretic, laxative, sedative, wound treatment)
- Grey goose feathers confirmed alongside headdress via micro-analysis
- Artist in 2003 correctly depicted goose feathers before archaeological confirmation
Related site: Grabhügel Dürrenberg — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: 9,000 year old BAD DÜRRENBERG SHAMAN has a story to tell. by The Prehistory Guys