Polish archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery in Lake Lednica: a 1,000-year-old carved wooden face from the early medieval period. This artifact, dated to 967 AD, offers significant insight into the spiritual beliefs and artistic traditions of the early Piast dynasty, which founded Poland. The find occurred during underwater excavations at Ostrów Lednicki, an important stronghold of the Piast dynasty. The oak beam, approximately 1.34 meters in length, features a human face carved in both relief and three-dimensional style, measuring about 13.5 by 10 centimeters.

The carved face likely represents a figure from the Slavic spiritual world, according to Dr. Andrzej Pydyn from the Centre for Underwater Archaeology. The positioning of the face, directed outward toward the water, suggests connections to ancient beliefs regarding supernatural beings associated with lakes and rivers. Pydyn expressed the team’s surprise at the discovery, highlighting the symbolic and spiritual significance it holds for the inhabitants of the stronghold. Functioning as a structural “hook” within the site’s defensive ramparts, this beam helped maintain the integrity of the walls.

Konrad Lewek, also from the Centre for Underwater Archaeology, noted that such large-scale human representations from that era are extremely rare in Slavic territories. The find emerged during a four-year project initiated after dry conditions in 2021 exposed wooden elements along the shoreline. Dendrochronological analysis confirmed that the wood was cut in 967 AD. Ostrów Lednicki was a critical administrative and religious hub in early Poland, housing a ducal palace with a chapel that likely hosted some of the earliest Christian ceremonies in the country.

Archaeological efforts at this site have been ongoing for over 40 years, focusing on uncovering its historical significance. Following careful conservation, the carved face will be displayed to visitors by mid-2026, further enhancing our understanding of Slavic religious practices and artistic traditions during the formation of the Polish state.