Vorträge - Universität Salzburg

Abstracts Primus Conventus Austriacus Archaeometriae - MMIX
Ingesta analyses of the Neolithic Glacier Mummy “Ötzi”
Klaus Oeggl
Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Botanik, Sternwartestraße 15, A-6020 Innsbruck, +43-(0)512-507-5944,,
Klaus.Oeggl@uibk.ac.at
Three surgical interventions on the Neoltihic Glacier Mummy “Ötzi” conducted in 1995, 1997
and 2000 resulted in the collection of five ingesta samples. These samples constitute a
sequence from different locations of the intestinal tract: the ileum, the transverse and
descendent colon, as well as the rectum. The samples encompass at least three different meals
consumed by the Iceman during his last two days, which is shown by numerical analysis of
the pollen flora and muscle fibres incorporated in the different ingesta samples. The macro
and pollen analyses of these samples reveal that the Iceman consumed a well balanced
omnivore diet consisting of a farinaceous dish made of einkorn (Triticum monococcum),
chenopods, other vegetables and meat of red deer (Cervus elaphus) as well as ibex (Capra
ibex). Surprising is the strong correlation between the continuous occurring bracken
(Pteridium aquilinum) spores and human whipworm (Trichuris trichuria) eggs as well as
wheat (Triticum) pollen. This indicates an intentional consumption of bracken as
anthelminthic remedy or as starch plant. Additionally the new pollen data from the ingesta
corroborate the early season of his demise. According to the new data he died in spring and
not in autumn as suggested before.
n.n.
Kurt W. Alt
Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Institut für Anthropologie, Colonel-Kleinmann-Weg 2, +49-(0)6131-39-
22242, altkw@uni-mainz.de
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