Step back more than 5,000 years and explore the remarkable crafts behind Ötzi, the world’s most famous prehistoric mummy, in this immersive hands-on workshop led by Experimental Archaeologist Marc Cox and Luke Atterton of Red Squirrel Ancestral Skills.

Who Was Ötzi?

Ötzi, also known as the Iceman, is a 5,300-year-old naturally mummified man discovered in the Italian Alps in 1991. He lived during the Copper Age (around 3300 BCE) and provides a rare look at prehistoric human life. Much of his equipment was remarkably intact giving us a unique glimpse into life thousands of years ago. Ötzi is Europe’s oldest known natural human mummy, showing an unprecedented view of Chalcolithic (Copper Age) Europeans.

What’s Included:

• Learn how prehistoric people made fire and create your own traditional fire-lighting kit.
• Discover the basics of flint knapping and the tools used by Ötzi over 5,000 years ago.
• Build a replica of Ötzi’s remarkable wooden packframe using authentic prehistoric techniques.
• Take home a firelighting kit, leather pouch or birch bark container and an Ötzi-inspired packframe backpack
• Try steam bending wood and cutting joints with replica prehistoric tools.
• Explore ancient crafts including bark container making, natural fibre weaving and leather sewing.
• Learn how birch bark tar was made and used in prehistory.
• Watch a live copper axe casting demonstration based on the original axe found with Ötzi.
• Enjoy a fully hands-on, immersive experience led by expert experimental archaeologists.
• Tea, coffee and refreshments included throughout the day. Bring your own lunch or visit the Avalon Marshes cafe on site.

Suitable for adults aged 18+ with no previous experience required. Warm clothes and sturdy footwear required.