A flail type weapon known as a kiścień has been discovered by detectorists from the Society of Friends of Olsztynek – Exploration Section “Tannenberg”.
The discovery was made in fields near the village of Gietrzwałd, located in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, Poland.
According to the detectorist group, the discovery site lies within an area closely linked to the historic Battle of Grunwald, one of the pivotal engagements of the Polish–Lithuanian–Teutonic War (AD 1409–1411).
During the battle, the combined forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania delivered a decisive defeat to the Teutonic Order under Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen, whose senior leadership was largely killed or captured.
Preliminary identification based on photographic documentation has already been conducted by two specialists: Adam Górecki of the Battle of Grunwald Museum and Kacper Martyka of the Museum of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Both experts have confirmed that the object is consistent with a medieval flail head known as a kiścień.
The kiścień was a medieval crushing weapon made from a wooden or metal handle, with a heavy striker attached by a chain, rope, or leather strap. It was widely used across Europe between the 11th and 15th centuries by both cavalry and infantry.
Despite its historical prevalence, relatively few archaeological examples have survived, and the weapon is known primarily through written accounts and iconographic sources.
According to records at the Battle of Grunwald Museum, only one similar artefact is documented in its entire collection. To date, only three such items have been recorded across all northeastern Poland, making the discovery the fourth known example in the region.
Sources : Society of Friends of Olsztynek – Exploration Section “Tannenberg”
