The Iceman's Clothing

The Tyrolean Iceman, a 5,300-year-old natural mummy, discovered in the Italian Ötztal Alps in 1991 provides a direct archaeological link to prehistoric Europe. A mitochondrial DNA analysis of his leather provides insights into the manufacture of Copper Age clothing. 

His coat originates from domestic ungulate species (sheep and goat) and the leggings are of goat leather. The hat and quiver samples were produced from wild species, brown bear and roe deer.

The results of this study show the potential for the recovery of complete mitochondrial genomes from degraded prehistoric artefacts.

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