Ongoing projects | South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

ÖTZI AND NON-ÖTZI RELATED PROJECTS

Current research projects

Ötzi related projects Other archaeological projects

2023-2025

Inventory, dating and conservation of samples and archaeologically relevant material from the "Iceman" find complex

The project includes the reunification, inventorying, conservation and dating of organic remains from research projects belonging to the Iceman complex.

2023-2025

Preserving the Past – Microbiological Monitoring of the Mummy and Associated Finds from the Tisenjoch yoke

Microbiological monitoring aims to ensure the preservation of the mummy and associated finds. The objective is to detect and evaluate the microbial load and metabolic activity, in order to identify any risks and define the optimal conditions for the future preservation of the mummy and the finds.

2019

Synopsis and evaluation of all radiological investigations on the Neolithic Iceman mummy since 1991

Documentation of all existing radiological findings on the Iceman.

2017-2020

Iceman Conservation Project 2.0

Study regarding the conservation status of the mummy and evaluation of potential concepts for future conservation conditions of the Iceman and his associated finds.

2017

Study of the Iceman’s twisted cord

The cord bundle from Ötzi’s quiver was examined to determine if the material, which was previously referred to as linden bast, would have been suitable as a bowstring. The analysis was part of a research project by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), in which Neolithic bows and arrows were examined in detail to determine their material for the first time and then compared with the Iceman’s equipment. Results: Ötzi’s skillfully twisted cord is made of animal sinew and is ideal as a bowstring. Ötzi’s hunting gear is therefore the oldest surviving Neolithic equipment in the world.

2016-2018

Study of flint tools and the contents of the belt pouch

The contents of the Iceman’s belt pouch and his flint tools were subjected to detailed examination in an interdisciplinary research project with the aim of determining the origin of the raw materials more precisely and identifying traces of manufacture and use. Results: the origin of the Iceman’s flint tools could be identified more precisely. According to this study, the raw material for his flint tools comes from the region between today’s Veneto and the border with Lombardy. This reveals the surprisingly extensive trade relationships of a Copper Age clan in the southern Alpine region in what is now South Tyrol. Ötzi’s tools were sharpened to the point that the material was nearly exhausted. In the last days of his life the Iceman had to contend not only with foes, but also with scarce material resources.

2016

Manufacturing marks and signs of use on the axe blade

The Iceman’s axe underwent a new microscopic examination. The aim was to better document the traces of processing, such as the production of ridges, the chiseled corners of the blade, and closure of the casting hole. Signs of use were also examined, such as the impression of the angled haft on the neck of the axe blade, and nicks on the blade.

2016

Isotope analysis of the axe blade

This project examined the copper from which the Iceman’s axe blade was cast. Analysis of the chemical composition and lead isotopes provided information that linked the raw materials to a specific deposit.

Surprisingly, there was very little correlation between the copper in the Iceman’s axe and that which has been found in Alpine deposits, which had been extensively studied as preliminary work. Rather, the origin of the copper from Ötzi’s axe clearly points to Southern Tuscany.

2018-2023

Schnals – The high mountains as an economic and interactive area for prehistoric village communities

This interdisciplinary research project aimed to reconstruct how pastoral economies and alpine agriculture functioned during the Bronze and Iron Age. In addition, it aimed to determine if the high mountains were territorially divided by settlers from Vinschgau (only in Schnals Valley).

In recent years archaeological investigations have been conducted at the entrance to Finail Valley and in Penaud Valley. In addition to burnt offering sites from the Middle Bronze Age (c. 1500 BC), structures from the Bronze and Iron Age were also found to have been used seasonally in the side valleys of Schnals, Finail, and Tisen. Schnals Valley’s seasonal usage during the Bronze Age originated from Vinschgau and now it is important to determine which Bronze Age settlements were involved. Petrographic investigations of ceramic fragments from the Schnals high mountains and from settlements in Vinschgau should help to shed light on the valley’s development. Surveys of the entire Schnals Valley revealed further promising sites (4000 – 300 BC), some of which are being investigated in archaeological excavations. Up until now the only sites that had been known in this area were those frequented by Mesolithic hunters.

Interdisciplinary cooperation with paleobotany (testing of pollen and macro-remains), archaeozoological investigations, and petrographic analyses of ceramic remains allowed conclusions to be drawn about the settlement and subsistence strategies.

Project management: Andreas Putzer, South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology.

Project partner: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, das Amt für Bodendenkmäler der Autonomen Provinz Bozen/Südtirol, Department of Botany of the University of Innsbruck, and das Amt für Geologie und Baustoffforschung der Provinz Bozen/Südtirol.

Project holder: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Project funding: Forschungsfonds Südtiroler Landesmuseen (CUP H36C18000180005)

Publications: Putzer, A.: Von Hirtinnen und Bernstein – Prähistorische Weidewirtschaft im Schnalstal. In: Arch. Korrespondenzblatt 42 (2012) 153-170;

Putzer, A.: Königinnen der Almen – Prähistorische Weidewirtschaft im Schnalstal. In: Der Schlern 87 (2013) 3-31;

Putzer, A.: Finailhof. In: Denkmalpflege Jahresbericht (2013) 295-296;

Festi, D. / Putzer, A. / Oeggl, K.: Mid and late Holocene land-use changes in the Ötztal Alps, territory of the Neolithic Iceman “Ötzi”. In: Quaternary International (2013) 1-17;

Putzer, A.: Nicht nur Ötzi – Neufunde aus dem Tisental. In: Prähistorische Zeitschrift, Band 89/1 (2014), 55-71;

Putzer, A. / Festi, D. / Edlmair, S. / Oeggl, K.: The development of human activity in the high altitudes of the Schnals Valley (South Tyrol/Italy) from the Mesolithic to modern periods. In: Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 6 (2016) 136-147;

Putzer, A. / Festi, D. / Oeggl, K.: Was the Iceman really a herdsman? The development of a prehistoric pastoral economy in the Schnals Valley. In: Antiquity 90 350 (2016) 319–336;

Putzer, A.: L’importanza del territorio di alta montagna per le comunità preistoriche – Il caso di studio “Val Senales”. The role of high alpine landscape for prehistoric communities – The case study Schnals. INCONTRI ANNUALI DI PREISTORIA E PROTOSTORIA, 7 (2019), 38-40;

Oeggl, K. / Festi, D. / Putzer, A.: The onset of alpine pastoral systems in the Eastern Alps. In: Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 17, EGU2015-3879 (2015); Putzer, A.: Schnals - Prähistorische Nutzung eines Hochtales. In: Hye, S. / Töchterle, U. (eds.): UPIKU:TAUKE. Festschrift für Gerhard Tomedi zum 65. Geburtstag. Universitätsforschungen zur prähistorischen Archäologie, Band 339, Universität Innsbruck. Bonn (2019) 469-482;

2015-2016

Identifying the leather and fur samples found with Ötzi

The DNA of all leather and fur samples from the Iceman were analyzed in collaboration with the laboratory of the EURAC Institute for Mummy Studies. We largely know which animals the Iceman’s fur and leather came from, but new research methods frequently lead to corrections because it was possible to determine the animal family, but not the exact species.

2018-24

Studies on the circulation of copper in the Iceman’s time

Study of the origin of materials in Central European axe blades from the Copper Age. The research project began in 2017 with 25 axe blades from Italy. In 2018 the project was expanded to include a further 25 axe blades from Northern Italy/South Tyrol.

2024-2025

Archaeology between War and Peace – History of South Tyrolean Archaeology from 1920 to 1972

This project summarizes the results of the archaeological investigations in the Überetsch region. A final publication provides an overview of the period of settlement from the Mesolithic to the Early Middle Ages and presents the most important sites and finds from the Überetsch area. This means all existing accessible collection items have been processed and published as completely as possible. The finds come from the Office for Archaeological Heritage, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, the Bolzano Municipal Museum, the von Mӧrl collections in Eppan/Appiano, the Ferdinandeum (Tyrolean State Museum) in Innsbruck (Austria), and the Museo del Buonconsiglio in Trento.The project explores the history of archaeology in South Tyrol from the Fascist and National Socialist periods to the "Prima Repubblica Italiana." The focus is on historical figures and their achievements in the protection of cultural property, as well as the first-ever historical classification of archaeological finds from the interwar period. The research team is collaborating with local museums and international collections to research lost finds. These will be presented in a special exhibition starting in November 2025.

2016

Archeology in the Überetsch region

2012-14

Life at the water’s edge – a Mesolithic settlement in Salorno/Salurn

A rare Mesolithic campsite was discovered that had been protected under a rocky outcrop at Galgenbühl (Dos de la Forca) in Salurn. Between 8400 and 7500 BC the Galgenbühl hill was frequently visited by groups of hunter-gatherers. Extensive material was recovered during archaeological excavations that took place from 1999 to 2002. In addition to flint tools, numerous animal bones were also excellently preserved owing to the calcareous sediments that covered the site. The campsite underwent a reassessment as part of the interdisciplinary research project “Life at the water’s edge. Resources, technology, and mobility in Mesolithic times using the example of the Galgenbühl site in Salurn (South Tyrol)”. The research aimed to provide information about the living conditions of Mesolithic people in the Etsch Valley in relation to the environmental conditions of the time. A unique feature of this Mesolithic rest area is that evidence was found which suggests wild cats were hunted.

Project management: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Project partner: Amt für Bodendenkmäler, Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol

Project organizer: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Project funding: Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, Abteilung Bildungsförderung, Universität und Forschung

Publications: Crezzini, J. / Boschin, F. / Boscato P. / Wierer, U.: Wild cats and cut marks: Exploitation of Felis silvestris in the Mesolithic of Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca (South Tyrol, Italy). Quaternary International 330 (2014) 52-60,

Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2013.12.056;

Arrighi, S. / Bazzanella, M. / Boschin, F. / Wierer, U.: How to make and use a bone “spatula”. An experimental program based on the Mesolithic osseous assemblage of Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca (Salurn/Salorno, BZ, Italy). In: Quaternary International, Volume 423 (2016) 143-165,

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2015.11.114;

Wierer, U. / Betti, L. / Gala, M. / Tagliacozzo, A. / Boscato, P.: Seasonality and function of Mesolithic valley-bottom sites: Results from Galgenbühel/Dos de la Forca, Adige valley (South Tyrol, Italian Alps). In: Quaternary International, Volume 423 (2016) 102-122,

Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2015.12.009;

Gala, M. / Tagliacozzo, A. / Wierer, U.: Bird remains from the Mesolithic site Galgenbühel / Dos de la Forca (Salurn, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy) Preistoria Alpina, 48 (2016): 43-51,

Link: https://www.muse.it/contrib/uploads/2022/12/PA_48-2016_04_Gala.pdf;

Wierer, U. / Bertola, S.: The Sauveterrian Chert Assemblage of Galgenbühel, Dos de la Forca (Adige Valley, South Tyrol, Italy): Procurement Areas, Reduction Sequences, Tool Making. In: Actes de la séance de la societè préhistorique francaise, Nice 28-29 Mars 2013 (2016) 55,

Link: https://www.prehistoire.org/offres/file_inline_src/515/515_P_40036_5783e063c5f9a_10.pdf;

Ottoni, C. / Wierer, U. et al: The palaeogenetics of cat dispersal in the ancient world. In: Nature Ecology & Evolution volume 1 (2017), Article number: 0139,

Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0139, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-0139

2017-2020

Säben II. The secular buildings of the Late Antiquity hilltop settlement

Säben had become a diocese by the 6th century at the latest. Systematic excavations were conducted at the hilltop abbey in Klausen from 1978-1982. The first volume, “Säben I”, was published in 2015 and covered the early Christian church on the hillside. Later a survey was published on the hilltop settlement’s secular buildings from Late Antiquity. In addition to archaeological work on the finds and features, this interdisciplinary project also planned to conduct further sondages (trial excavations) and scientific research (radiocarbon dating, osteological and archaeometallurgical analyses).

We expect this project to provide important new information about Alpine hilltop settlements from Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. In addition, the Säben settlement, which is an important part of the city of Klausen’s tourist attractions, is being upgraded and this could eventually result in it being turned into a museum.

2012-2016

Prehistoric settlement and economics in Inner Alpine High valleys using the example of Schnals Valley (South Tyrol)

The archaeologic and archaeobotanic analysis of settlement and economic use of Schnals Valley was conducted by means of archaeological excavations at Finailgrube and Finailhof (Putzer 2011) as well as through surveys in the side valleys of Penaud and Pfossten, which are situated closest to the main settlements in Central Vinschgau. Archaeozoological studies should provide information about the economic use of domestic animals. Furthermore, this study should provide insights into Alpine agriculture in prehistory, including the practice of processing milk in the high mountains.

Project management: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Andreas Putzer), University of Innsbruck (Klaus Oeggl)

Project partner: University of Innsbruck

Project organizer: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology

Project funding: Forschungsfonds Autonome Provinz Bozen, Grant No. B35E12000330003)

Publication: Putzer, A.: Von Hirtinnen und Bernstein – Prähistorische Weidewirtschaft im Schnalstal. In: Arch. Korrespondenzblatt 42 (2012) 153-170;

Putzer, A.: Königinnen der Almen – Prähistorische Weidewirtschaft im Schnalstal. In: Der Schlern 87 (2013) 3-31;

Putzer, A.: Finailhof. In: Denkmalpflege Jahresbericht (2013) 295-296;

Festi, D. / Putzer, A. / Oeggl, K.: Mid and late Holocene land-use changes in the Ötztal Alps, territory of the Neolithic Iceman “Ötzi”. In: Quaternary International (2013) 1-17;

Putzer, A.: Nicht nur Ötzi – Neufunde aus dem Tisental. In: Prähistorische Zeitschrift, Band 89/1 (2014), 55-71;

Putzer, A. / Festi, D. / Oeggl, K.: Was the Iceman really a herdsman? The development of a prehistoric pastoral economy in the Schnals Valley. In: Antiquity 90 350 (2016) 319–336;

Oeggl, K. / Festi, D. / Putzer, A.: The onset of alpine pastoral systems in the Eastern Alps. In: IEMA. In Druck.

Putzer, A.: Schnals - Prähistorische Nutzung eines Hochtales. In: Hye, S. / Töchterle, U. (eds.): UPIKU:TAUKE. Festschrift für Gerhard Tomedi zum 65. Geburtstag. Universitätsforschungen zur prähistorischen Archäologie, Band 339, Universität Innsbruck. Bonn (2019) 469-482