The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
One of my favorite places to visit in Bolzano, Italy. Learning about Otzi and what he tells us about the surrounding region was a great way to start the trip! The circumstances that have preserved this Neolithic mummy to this very day, as well as what he tells us about life during the copper age, are nothing short of miraculous. I’ve known about Otzi for a long time, so getting to see his body, tools, and clothes in person felt like a long time coming.
Otzi’s Tattoos
Going into the museum, I was fascinated by what kinds of tattoos Otzi would have on his body. I assumed his tattoos would have a tribal meaning, perhaps representing Otzi’s status or role amongst his fellow tribesmen. Surprisingly, his tattoos didn’t have any tribal significance but were instead being used as a way for Otzi to damage nerves in his body that were causing him pain. This would explain why the tattoos were too small to see from a distance. It would also explain why he had so many tattoos. Amazingly, scientists have accurately diagnosed Otzi’s medical complaints from the condition of his bones, joints, and fingernails.
Otzi’s Skull
From the miracle that is modern science comes to us a life-sized, three-dimensional reconstruction of Otzi’s skull. According to the placards in the museum, stereolithography and CAT scans were used to model and attach the muscles in detail. They were then covered in a plastic coating to mimic skin. This model is a template for a cast, which was worked on for weeks to become a replica of Otzi’s head (including hair and skin).
Otzi’s Teeth
Given the condition of Otzi’s teeth, it’s safe to say that dentists were desperately needed in the neolithic age. Researchers have deduced that the cause of Otzi’s dental trauma is most likely a result of a transition from a hunter-gather diet to a strictly agricultural diet. In general, we can tell a lot about where Otzi lived and where he had been traveling recently due to the foods he ate before he died.
Otzi’s Hat
Otzi’s clothing was uncovered in the excavation along with his body. Pictured above is his bearskin cap, which was haphazardly stitched together to mold to the shape of his head.
Otzi’s Ax
According to the tour guide, Otzi’s copper ax is a one-of-a-kind item – there are no others with the same shape and material. The most fascinating aspect of this find is what it tells us about Otzi himself; the copper used in the ax came originally from Central Italy, and not from the Alpine region where Otzi was discovered. Why would Otzi travel to Central Italy? Or, perhaps, does this possession, as well as his stomach contents, attest to a well-established region-wide mercantile network during his lifetime? Also, why didn’t his killer steal this valuable item? Despite what we know about Otzi’s tools and appearance, we know little about his personal history and the exact circumstances surrounding his death. It’s interesting to think what Otzi would think if he knew how his legacy and worldwide fame were being discussed today…