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The iceman as a burial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

A. Vanzetti,
M. Vidale,
M. Gallinaro,
D.W. Frayer and
L. Bondioli
A. Vanzetti
Affiliation:
Dipartimento SSAAA, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
M. Vidale
Affiliation:
Dipartimento di Archeologia, Università di Padova, 35100 Padua, Italy
M. Gallinaro
Affiliation:
Dipartimento SSAAA, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
D.W. Frayer
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045-2110, USASezione di Antropologia, Museo Nazionale Preistorico Etnografico L. Pigorini, 00144 Rome, Italy
L. Bondioli*
Affiliation:
Sezione di Antropologia, Museo Nazionale Preistorico Etnografico L. Pigorini, 00144 Rome, Italy
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Abstract

Since his discovery in 1991 the iceman has been widely seen as meeting a dramatic end – mortally wounded by an arrow shot while attempting to flee through an Alpine pass. A careful study of all the located grave goods, here planned comprehensively for the first time, points strongly towards the scene as one of a ceremonial burial, subsequently dispersed by thawing and gravity. The whole assemblage thus takes on another aspect – not a casual tragedy but a mortuary statement of its day.

Keywords

Alpine regionCopper Ageicemanformation processburial rite

Information

Type
Research
Information
Antiquity , Volume 84 , Issue 325 , September 2010, pp. 681 - 692
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2010

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