The mystery of the stones in the mouth of the dead

A number of human remains from the 8th century have been found with large stones caught in the mouth. Researchers believe that at that time, local people did so so that the dead could not return to earth.

More than 6 years ago, when conducting surveys in medieval churches in Roscommon, Ireland, experts stumbled upon more than 120 sets dating from the 7th to the 14th centuries.

The head of the research group, Chris Read, of the Institute of Technology in Sligo, Ireland, and colleagues conducted a series of excavations between 2005 and 2009 in Kilteasheen, near Loch Key.

There are two male skeletons, one about 40 to 60 years old and one younger, about 20 years old, found among hundreds of other remains.

What is special is that 'one of them had a position with his head straight up, in his mouth was a large black stone identified as having someone deliberately put it into the mouth of the dead. The other skeleton has a posture to turn its head to one side and is also stuffed with a bigger stone into the mouth in such a violent way that it almost dislocates the jaw bone , " Chris Read told Discovery. News.

One of the skeletons with stones in the mouth is found in Ireland. (Photo: Daily Mail)

About 3,000 buried bones from 700 to 1400 are still buried in this area. Scientists say the belief that resurrected corpses originate in the culture of the Haitians with the Shakyamuni (a Caribbean religion, incorporating Christian rituals). animism and religious beliefs, using witchcraft, talismans).

This belief is very powerful on the Caribbean island at that time. So, one has to find ways for the dead to not live. Accordingly, someone will stand watch the grave until the corpse is decomposed.

Initially, archaeologists believed that the ritual of placing a stone in the mouth could be related to vampires. Vampires are thought to cause the spread of disease and a stone placed inside the mouth will prevent this. Many people also believe that placing a stone in the corpse mouth will cause the vampires to starve.

However, it is thought that it was not until the 16th century that vampires appeared and thus could not explain why the stones were found in the skeletons dating back to the eighth century.

'In this case, the stones in the mouth can be a barrier to prevent zombies from returning from their graves , ' Dr. Read said. Mouth 'is considered where the soul leaves the body after death. Sometimes, that soul can enter other people's bodies orally and revive , 'he added.