Was the Neolithic Tyrolean Iceman,“Ötzi” a shepherd

Abstract

The unique discovery of the glacier mummy on such a remote site in the Ötztal mountains is still an enigma. In the initial phase of the Iceman research, four hypotheses - the hunter, shaman, metal prospector and shepherd theories - were proposed to explain the find in its entirety. On the basis of detailed scientific investigations conducted in the meantime, the assumption that the Iceman was involved in an early form of transhumance has now gained general acceptance. Recently coprolite analysis was conducted on a hundred caprine dung pellets found at the Iceman’s find spot and dated from 5400 to 2000 BC. The lack of caprine faeces from valley bottoms as well as the absence of dung pellets at the find spot between 3700 and 2900 BC questions the practice of transhumance in the area during the Iceman´slifetime and for this reason also his social status as a shepherd.