A bioarchaeological approach for the examination of two Lithuanian clergymen: Juozapas Arnulfas Giedraitis and Simonas Mykolas Giedraitis (18th–19th centuries AD)

Abstract

In the summer of 2019, members of the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University were summoned by the diocese of Telšiai to carry out an investigation of the mortal remains of Juozapas Arnulfas Giedraitis and Simonas Mykolas Giedraitis, two high religious dignitaries entombed in the crypt of the parish of St Peter and St Paul, Apostles, at Varniai (Samogitia, Lithuania). The aim of the study was to confirm their identity, to obtain data for compiling an osteo‐biographic profile, and to assess any manipulation of the bodies that resulted in their preservation. The remains concerned underwent anthropological, paleopathological, and archaeobotanical investigations, supplemented by a radiological analysis for the individual who displayed tissue mummification. There was evidence of bodily processing after death, which included internal organ removal, the use of specific plant species known to have antiseptic and disinfectant properties, as well as chemical preservatives. In combination with the available historic sources, this study aimed to provide a detailed bioarchaeological assessment to enrich our understanding of previously undocumented postmortem bodily treatments and preservation practices among these high‐ranked Lithuanian clergymen.