Pollen analysis indicates that a shaman was buried with flowers 9,000 years ago.

A new scientific study has shed light on one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in Central Europe: the 9,000-year-old grave of the so-called “Shaman of Bad Dürrenberg.” Recent pollen analyses suggest that the woman—believed to have been a spiritual leader—was buried surrounded by flowers, offering a rare and colorful glimpse into prehistoric funerary rituals.

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The burial, located in the Saalekreis district of Saxony-Anhalt, dates back to the Mesolithic period. Archaeologists believe the grave belongs to a woman between 30 and 40 years old who was buried with an infant approximately six months old. Genetic research conducted in 2023 indicated that the baby was not her direct child, but rather a fourth- or fifth-degree relative. Artifacts found at the site—such as a headdress made of deer antlers and pendants crafted from animal teeth—suggest that the woman held a special role within her community, possibly as a shaman or spiritual leader.

The original discovery of the grave occurred accidentally in 1934 during the construction of a sewage system. Due to the urgency of the excavation, which was completed in just one afternoon, much of the surrounding burial pit remained untouched. In 2019, archaeologists returned to the site in the spa park of Bad Dürrenberg in preparation for a garden exhibition. Their work revealed that portions of the original grave pit—still stained with red ochre—had remained intact for decades.

Researchers carefully removed sections of the burial area for laboratory analysis. Among the most significant findings were small but important traces of pollen. Under microscopic examination, palynologist Elisabeth Endtmann, from the State Office for Geology and Mining of Saxony-Anhalt, identified pollen from several flowering plants, including meadowsweet, mullein, buttercup, and devil’s-bit scabious—plants known for their vibrant colors.

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The concentration of pollen was particularly notable around the deceased woman’s head. According to Endtmann, the flowers may have been placed around her head during the burial, or the pollen may have become trapped in her hair while she was still alive. Although the limited quantity of pollen prevents a definitive conclusion, the findings strongly suggest that the plants played a crucial role in the funerary ritual.

Interestingly, many of the identified plants are known for their medicinal properties in traditional herbal medicine. Birch leaves, buckthorn bark, hops, and lady’s mantle—all found among the pollen remains—have long been used in treatments ranging from wound care to digestive remedies. State archaeologist Harald Meller notes that while it cannot be confirmed that the shaman was aware of the medicinal properties of these plants, there are numerous ethnographic examples of shamans using medicinal herbs.

The flowering periods of these plants may also indicate the time of burial. Researchers believe the greatest overlap in blooming times occurs in July, suggesting that the shaman was likely buried in midsummer. The discovery of green algae in the grave, possibly attached to the feathers of waterfowl, adds another intriguing detail to the scene.

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These and other recent discoveries about the grave of the “Shaman of Bad Dürrenberg” will be presented to the public in a major special exhibition titled “The Shaman,” which will open on March 27, 2026, at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle (Saale). The exhibition promises to deepen public understanding of prehistoric spirituality and life during the Mesolithic era.

References
HeritageDaily.
IDW.