T1 W7-10 Flashcards
What did the high levels of copper and arsenic in Otzi’s hair suggest?
Exposure from copper smelting, indicating his occupation as a metalworker.
What technique established that Otzi lived between 5348-5298 BC?
Radiocarbon Dating (C14 testing)
What significant discovery was made during the 2001 X-ray of Otzi?
A shadow in the shape of an arrow near his shoulder, proving he had been shot in the back.
What did CT scans reveal about Otzi’s health?
Cavities, extensive wear of tooth enamel, advanced periodontitis, and a blow to the back of the head.
What did multispectral imaging reveal about Otzi?
61 tattoos associated with medical treatment on his lower right ribcage.
What was discovered through endoscopy in 2012 regarding Otzi?
Traces of a clotting protein (fibrin) indicating recent injury.
What did DNA analysis reveal about Otzi’s involvement in a fight?
Blood samples indicated he fought against several individuals.
What did the historical and biochemical analysis reveal about Otzi?
He had a cut to the base of his right thumb consistent with a fight.
What did the intestine content analysis reveal about when Otzi died?
Presence of pollen indicating he died during Spring.
Hop Hornbeam Tree
What was revealed by the stomach content analysis of Otzi?
He had eaten a heavy meal of uncleaned ibex meat, forest berries, and einkorn grain before his death.
What did the mitochondrial DNA study suggest about Otzi’s fertility?
Evidence suggested he was infertile and possibly outlawed by his community.
What are the six main areas of contention when displaying human remains?
- Preservation & Display
- Reburial
- Research
- Religion
- Education
- Tourism
What are some guidelines for displaying ancient human remains in museums?
- Display in specially designed glass cases
- Controlled temperature and humidity
- Limited viewer access
- Accompanying details about the remains
- Dimmed & Subdued lighting, out of main sight of view, in order to protect people who may find the remains visually unappealing (children)
Who discovered the remains of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man?
Geologist Jim Bowler.
What ceremonial practice was associated with Mungo Man’s burial?
He was covered in red ochre, suggesting early ritualistic burial practices.
What did the radiocarbon dating reveal about the age of Mungo Lady?
Approximately 42,000 years old.
What laws must archaeologists abide by regarding Aboriginal remains?
- Aboriginal Heritage Act (1972)
- Native Title Act (1993)
What ethical issue arose from Jim Bowler’s actions with Mungo Lady and Man?
He refused to consult with Aboriginal communities regarding the exhumation.
How was Mungo Lady’s remains treated during removal?
She was transported in a suitcase, leading to ethical concerns.
What is significant about Mungo Lady’s burial method?
She was cremated and buried. Indicating the earliest cremation in Australia but also the world.
What did the microscopic analysis of Mungo Man’s teeth reveal?
- His diet was variable and changed periodically.
- Worn down and degraded
What archaeological evidence was found at Lake Mungo?
- Tools
- Shells
- Bones
- Chopper
- Hammerstone
- Stone flakes
What do excessive piles of middens at Lake Mungo indicate?
Dietary practices and human occupation in the area.
What are fish otoliths used for in archaeological studies?
To provide evidence about lake levels and dietary practices of human settlers.
