During the construction of the A4 highway in Podkarpacie, Poland, archaeologists discovered a mysterious artifact likely to be a pintadera, a specialized stamp used in antiquity for applying dyes to fabrics or skin. This significant find sheds light on the ancient populations that inhabited the area. The discovery was made during archaeological investigations initiated in 2011 near Nienowice, which revealed traces of a settlement that thrived from the 6th to the 3rd-2nd century BC, inhabited by the so-called Pomeranian culture.

Dr. Marcin Burghardt from the Museum in Jarosław notes that the artifact represents a crucial link to understanding the cultural exchanges that occurred in the region. As the excavations reveal, the site demonstrates evidence of cultural interactions around the 4th century BC, as artifacts show influences from the Jastorf culture, which is associated with the Germanic tribes known as the Bastarnae and the Skiri. This underscores the area’s historical significance as a meeting point of various cultural groups in ancient Europe.

The artifact, which remained a mystery for many years, continues to intrigue researchers and historians. The implications of this finding are vast, as they not only provide insights into the daily lives and practices of ancient communities but also highlight the importance of archaeological work in preserving historical narratives that might otherwise be lost due to modern construction activities. Such discoveries enhance our understanding of the region's heritage and are a testament to the richness of Poland's archaeological history.