From the clothes he wore to the items found in his possession, Otzi the Iceman was an interesting man that provided a variety of clues to the Copper Age and the people who lived during this time. Some of the inventions, traditions, and habits might just surprise you.
6) Early Acupuncture?
An assortment of simple dots and lines were found on the lower spine, right ankle, and behind the right knee of Otzi’s remains , about 57 carbon tattoos were detected. After performing X-rays on the body parts, it is believed that Otzi may have suffered arthritis in these joints. Some hypothesize that he may have undergone acupuncture treatments.
7) The Well-Dressed Mummy
When compared to other clothing remnants and materials of the past, Otzi wore clothes that were considered stylish. His cloak was comprised of woven grass. Leather hailing from different kinds of skins was used to fashion his coat, belt, loincloth, and a pair of leggings. On his head, he wore a cap made out of bearskin that had a leather chin strap.
A pouch was sewn into his belt, offering a holder for items he probably used often, including a scraper, drill, flint flake, bone awl, and dried fungus (possibly used as a form of tinder).
On his feet, he wore a pair of waterproof shoes most likely designed to accommodate an individual planning on walking across the snow. The soles were bearskin, while the top panels were made out of deer hide. Tree bark provided netting for the shoes. Around the foot, soft grass was placed inside the shoe to act in the same manner as socks.
8) Otzi’s Last Possessions
In his possession, Otzi had berries, two baskets made out of birch bark, and two species of polypose mushrooms attached to leather strings. It is known that one of the mushrooms was known as the birch fungus , a species that held medicinal powers, including antibacterial properties. The tinder fungus that he carried is believed part of an advanced system of starting a fire. In addition to flint and pyrite, which were used to create sparks; he also carried a collection of different plants.
9) Cause of Death?
At first, scientists believed that Otzi died due to exposure of a harsh winter storm, but others believe that he had been involved in a ritual sacrifice. Another detail of his body showed that the outer layer of his skin, called the epidermis, was missing. However, this feature was most likely caused by the natural effects of being mummified by ice.
10) Memorial for Otzi
Today, you can visit a memorial constructed to pay homage to Otzi the Iceman. It is positioned on the Similaun Mountain, where his body was found , in the Otztal Alps.