HOW THE PERSON DIED?
Evidence from the skeleton suggests that she may have died from repeated bouts of illness or malnutrition. The woolen band probably slid down over it's eyes as a result of the body's shrinkage, and had likely been used to hold it's hair back or to cover it's eyes after death. It's half shaved hair was probably a result of the natural process of decay from greater exposure to oxygen on one side of her head than the other, or of trowel damage caused during excavation.
Another theory of the Windeby's cause of death is that it may have been a sacrifice, as it was not an unusual practice during that time period. Evidence that supports this theory is the blindfold placed over it's eyes and no clothing was found nor any signs of struggle. This shows that 'The Windeby Girl' may have been a willing sacrifice. On the other hand, the slight body build in Windeby I indicates that it may have been suffering from an illness or it was malnourished which may have influenced the decision to sacrifice him.
While the body was found naked, Windeby 1 was also found underneath several branches and a large stone, both of which are presumed to be anchors to keep the body submerged.
THE REASONS WHY THE BODY WAS PRESERVED.
No known deliberate preservation techniques were applied to the Windeby 1's body. Bogs had preserved the body extremely well due to the lack of oxygen exposure and acidic nature that discourages micro-organisms that help break down organic
matter.
Before Windeby 1 was discovered, he lost limbs to the peat cutting machinery. One of the the legs, a foot and a hand were accidentally severed before any study commenced on the body. On the other hand his brain was found in excellent condition for a bog body of it's age. It had retained much of its shape and size.
WHEN, WHERE AND HOW THE BODY WAS FOUND
The body was found by peat cutters on a private estate on a property near Schelswig Germany in 1952. At the time the body was discovered by many scientists,P .V Glob in particular thought the body was a girl that had been sacrificed as she was found in a 'defensive position' which was laying on her back, head twisted to one side, right arm bent against her chest and legs tightly drawn. Although the body was preserved fairly well in the bog Windeby 1 did get damaged on discovery of the peat cutters, the machinery severed her right foot and hand. Other natural damages by decomposition on the body included the body's chest caving in exposing its ribs and her hair was red from the acidity of the bog.