Decoding the Ancient Tattoos of Ötzi the Iceman
Discover the intriguing story of Ötzi the Iceman and his 61 ancient tattoos, dating back 5,300 years. Recent scientific findings shed light on the fascinating techniques used to create these historic markings.
Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to stay updated on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more.
In 1991, Ötzi the Iceman was discovered high in the Tyrolean Alps. He had dark skin and eyes, and was likely bald. Despite being frozen beneath ice for about 5,300 years, his remains were remarkably well-preserved, revealing 61 tattoos inked all over his body.
How and why Ötzi, perhaps the world’s most studied corpse, got the body art has long been a source of fascination. Initial analysis suggested the tattoos were incised with a blade and then impregnated with black pigment. Now, the latest research strongly suggests a single-point puncture tool, tipped with carbon pigment, could have been behind the markings.
According to Aaron Deter-Wolf, lead author of the new study, one of the threads identified is that the initial work on Ötzi's tattoos was done by scholars who were not tattooed themselves and lacked personal experience with the tattooing process.
Ötzi's tattoos, captured with image-processing software, might have been part of an ancient healing technique, according to research.
Ötzi's tattoos, captured with image-processing software, might have been part of an ancient healing technique, according to research.
EURAC Research-Institute for Mummy Studies/Marco Samadelli
Deter-Wolf, a prehistoric archaeologist at the Tennessee Division of Archaeology, shared his experience of discussing tattoos with professional tattooists. He mentioned that when looking at pictures and talking about tattoos, the tattooists often express disbelief that they could be cut into the skin. Despite this, he noted that this perspective had not been scientifically proven until now. Deter-Wolf himself even has a tattoo similar to one found on Ötzi, the famous mummy.
The study, which was published on March 13 in the European Journal of Archaeology, looked into Ötzi's tattoos. It also took into account current experiments that recreated ancient tattooing methods.
According to Deter-Wolf, the majority of Ötzi's tattoos were found on his lower legs and ankles. There was also one tattoo on his left wrist, as well as a group of tattoos on his lower back around the cervical spine.
Scientists have thoroughly examined Ötzi and his possessions, offering insights into life during the late fourth millennium BC. The latest study sheds light on the creation of the oldest tattoos in human history, although the significance of these body markings remains a mystery.
A bird-bone point with a handle was used in a demonstration of hand-tap tattooing. This design was part of a study conducted in 2022 to explore ancient tattooing tools and techniques. It is important to note that this design is not one of Ötzi's tattoos.
A demonstration of hand-tap tattooing depicts the use of a bird-bone point with a handle. The design, created during a 2022 study of ancient tattooing tools and techniques, is not one of Ötzi's tattoos.
Candice Nel, after Deter-Wolf et al. 2022
A scientific celebrity
Researchers initially thought Ötzi froze to death, but a 2001 X-ray showed an arrowhead in his shoulder, which would have been deadly. Additionally, the iceman had a head injury and a defensive wound on his right hand.
The mystery surrounding Ötzi's violent demise, his identity, and how he ended up on a mountain pass has captured the interest of people beyond the realm of archaeology. Every year, thousands of visitors come to see his mummified body at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy.
The amount of scientific information available about Ötzi is truly remarkable. By analyzing his stomach contents, researchers learned about his last meal and place of origin. DNA analysis provided insights into his ancestry and physical characteristics. Examination of his weapons indicated that he was right-handed, while his clothing offered a glimpse into ancient fashion.
In a study conducted in February 2016, Deter-Wolf created a database containing numerous examples of ancient tattoos. These included body art found on mummified remains from civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, and Incas. Through the use of nondestructive digital imaging technology and collaborations between archaeologists and tattoo artists, Ötzi's tattoos were identified as the oldest known examples of tattooing.
“Once we all put our heads together, we come up with a lot better and more informed hypothesis about how these things work,” he said.
Ötzi had tattoos on several areas of his body.
Ötzi had tattoos on several areas of his body.
EURAC Research-Institute for Mummy Studies/Marco Samadelli
The 2016 study found that tattoos have been a common cultural practice for a long time, involving various methods to permanently insert pigments under the skin. These techniques include hand poking, tapping with a single-point tool, incision, and subdermal tattooing (skin stitching) using a needle to thread ink-soaked filament or sinew.
In a September 2022 study, Deter-Wolf and his colleagues explored traditional tattoo techniques. Using tools made from animal bone, obsidian, copper, and boar tusk, along with a modern steel needle, traditional tattoo artist Danny Riday from New Zealand tattooed his leg as part of the experiment.
Ötzi’s tattoos have rounded edges, indicating they were most likely hand-poked with a bone or copper tool. In comparison, incision tattooing creates pointed edges due to the cutting of lines into the skin.
According to Deter-Wolf, the variation in the line of hand-poked tattoos results from the close proximity of individual punctures and the level of overlap. This creates a stippling effect when viewed under high magnification.
A bone awl found in Ötzi's tool kit is a possible candidate for a tattooing tool, but further study is needed to confirm if microscopic wear marks support this theory. However, Deter-Wolf believes it is unlikely that the awl was used for tattooing, as it is more fitting for a woodsman's kit than a tattooing kit.
Josephine Schubert/Museum Burg Ranis
Related article
Bones found in 8-meter-deep pit may ‘fundamentally change’ history of humans in Europe
The new information on how Ötzi's tattoos were likely created was described as "particularly exciting" by Dr. Matt Lodder, a senior lecturer of art history and theory and director of American studies at the University of Essex in the UK. According to him, the puncture method used in creating Ötzi's tattoos showed a resemblance to modern-day tattoo techniques.
Lodder, who is also the author of "Painted People: Humanity in 21 Tattoos," expressed that the appeal of Ötzi's story lies in its relatability to modern individuals who have been tattooed. He mentioned that anyone who has experienced tattooing, especially with hand tools, can understand the sensations Ötzi would have felt during the tattooing process and the healing journey he underwent. It is worth noting that Lodder was not involved in the study.
“That we can empathise so strongly with a man who lived five millennia ago is a remarkably powerful link to our shared human past.”
A reconstruction of Ötzi the Iceman is on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Based on his DNA, scientists now believe he had dark skin and eyes and may have been bald.
A reconstruction of Ötzi the Iceman is showcased at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. Scientists have used his DNA to determine that he likely had dark skin and eyes, and possibly was bald.
The unresolved mystery of Ötzi’s tattoos revolves around the question of why he had so many. Some researchers suggest that they were not just for decoration, but rather a form of ancient healing. These tattoos may have been used to alleviate joint pain in areas such as his lower back, knees, hip, and wrists.
"We acknowledge that they could have had therapeutic benefits. We are open to exploring all possibilities. Just because something is therapeutic doesn't mean it lacks cultural significance," according to Deter-Wolf.
Senior researcher Marco Samadelli from the Institute for Mummy Studies at Eurac Research praised the work for its high scientific quality.
Cambridge Archaeological Unit
Related article
‘Britain’s Pompeii’ reveals Bronze Age village frozen in time
The authors do not claim to know for sure how the puncture tattoo technique with a single-pointed instrument was used, but they provide detailed and convincing explanations. Samadelli encouraged the team to keep researching Ötzi's tattoos and the methods used to create them.
As of now, there are no current plans to investigate whether the bone awl and horn tooth discovered with the Iceman were utilized as hand-tipped tools. However, I am hopeful that Aaron Deter-Wolf will continue his curiosity and submit an application to the scientific committee of the Ötzi Museum for further analysis and research on these artifacts.
Editor's P/S:
The discovery and study of Ötzi the Iceman have provided invaluable insights into the life and culture of an ancient human being. The latest research on his tattoos, suggesting they were created using a single-point puncture tool, sheds light on the techniques and significance of body art in prehistoric times. It is fascinating to consider that Ötzi's tattoos may have served not only as adornments but also as a form of healing, providing relief from joint pain.
The appeal of Ötzi's story lies in its relatability to modern individuals. Through the tattoos, we can connect with a man who lived thousands of years ago, understanding the sensations he experienced during the tattooing process and the cultural significance of these markings. The ongoing research on Ötzi's tattoos not only expands our knowledge of ancient practices but also serves as a reminder of our shared human past and the enduring power of body art as a means of self-expression and cultural identity.
