[1776]

I don't see metal straps or a casket, black straps appear to be satin ribbon similar to the bows. Straps are wrinkled like fabric and have no rust. Also doesn't appear to be a post-industrial burial so I am dubious as to them having black oxide coated carbon steel strapping material available 200-500 years ago when this burial took place.

Why the ribbons are there? Could be to secure body for upright display after dried and posed? Or perhaps to bundle body together with dried flowers and herbs.

Real life witch burial head likely removed and/or body posed face down so in trying to escape the witch would just claw deeper into the ground. Believe what you will about witches but ye' olde' superstitious people often did believe and actually did take such steps to avoid them coming back for revenge.

[Zeeta]

Reminds me of the incorruptibles or naturally mummified corpses occasionally found.