Archaeologists in the Austrian Alps have recovered exceptionally well-preserved birch-bark masks and straw-stuffed effigies dating back to the late Bronze Age. The masks, which depict stylized animal faces, were located in a ritual shaft used for seasonal offerings. This discovery provides the earliest physical evidence for the roots of modern Alpine Krampus and spring carnival traditions.
The effigies appear to have been part of a symbolic "burning of winter" ceremony, as many of them show signs of controlled scorching. This suggests that the practice of using masked figures to drive away winter spirits is a cultural tradition that has persisted in the mountains of Europe for over 3,000 years, evolving from prehistoric fertility rites into today's vibrant folk festivals.