Definition: The Ice Man (also called Similaun Man or Oetzi) was found in the Alps on the border between Italy and Austria in 1991. The name Ice Man is given to the human remains of a Bronze Age hunter lost in a storm between 3350-3300 BC, perfectly preserved by the glacier in which he was found. The ice allowed us the first detailed look into Bronze Age clothing and tool kits.
The Ice Man has a tattooed body and worn teeth. He wore seven articles of clothing and carried 20 different pieces of equipment, including tools, weapons, and containers. An animal skin quiver contained arrowshafts made of viburnum and hazelwood, sinews and spare points. A copper axe head with a yew haft and leather binding, a small flint knife and a pouch with a flint scraper and awl were included in the artifacts found with him. His clothing included a belt, loincloth, and suspendered leggings, as well as a cap, outer cape and coat and shoes. He also carried a yew bow.
Recent studies using multislice computed tomography have revealed that the Iceman died as a result of massive bleeding from an arrow wound in his left clavicle.
The Ice Man has a tattooed body and worn teeth. He wore seven articles of clothing and carried 20 different pieces of equipment, including tools, weapons, and containers. An animal skin quiver contained arrowshafts made of viburnum and hazelwood, sinews and spare points. A copper axe head with a yew haft and leather binding, a small flint knife and a pouch with a flint scraper and awl were included in the artifacts found with him. His clothing included a belt, loincloth, and suspendered leggings, as well as a cap, outer cape and coat and shoes. He also carried a yew bow.
Recent studies using multislice computed tomography have revealed that the Iceman died as a result of massive bleeding from an arrow wound in his left clavicle.
Sources
Barfield, Lawrence 1994 The Iceman reviewed. Antiquity 6810-26.
Dickson, James H., Klaus Oeggl, and Linda L. Handley 2003. The Iceman Reconsidered. Scientific American 288(5).
Fowler, Brenda. The Iceman's Last Meal. NOVA.
Patrizia Pernter, Paul Gostner, Eduard Egarter Vigl, Frank Jakobus Rühli. [in press].Radiologic proof for the Iceman's cause of death (ca. 5,300 BP). Journal of Archaeological Science, to be published in 2007
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Similaun Man, Otzi or Oetzi
Alternate Spellings: Ice Man
