30 Years of Ötzi the Iceman
Ötzi, the Iceman is still a world sensation today, a bit like the Guinness Book of Stone Age Records: he is the oldest wet mummy in the world with completely preserved clothing and equipment, including the world’s only intact dagger and copper axe from the Neolithic Age. He is the oldest example of Homo sapiens whose DNA could be completely decoded, and he has the oldest known tattoos in the world on his body. It’s no wonder that even 30 years later seeing the mysterious original holds a certain fascination which is difficult to escape. Since the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology opened in 1998, 5.5 million people have been astounded by the Iceman and his belongings.
The South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his discovery with its visitors at an outdoor event at the Talferwiesen in Bolzano, Italy. It’s only about 200m away from the museum:
Saturday/Sunday 18-19 September 2021, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Back to the Stone Age: Working with flint – just like in Ötzi’s time
An adventure weekend for the whole family
Silex (flint) was an essential raw material for people in the Iceman’s time. This was used to make arrowheads, knife blades, and scrapers that could be used to work wood and bones, cut up game, harvest grain and vegetables, or prepare food.
This weekend young and old can try out original techniques such as making a blade or an arrowhead, working leather, wood, or antlers, and lighting a fire under expert guidance. Doing so, participants will get an idea of the astonishing material knowledge and technical skills of our ancestors.
Participation in the archaeology festival at the Talferwiesen is free. This weekend only, entry to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is also free. A Green Pass is required for both events.
