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Was Ötzi a Leftie?

By Brian Floyd

January 2012 

On the original artifact there is a large flap that is next to the fletching area of the arrows that would be in the way of arrow removal if the quiver is worn reversed (over the right shoulder).  There is also a stiffening strut that runs the length of the quiver that works best if it is oriented toward the top when the quiver is worn on the back.  The strut is an excellent place to secure the strap that goes across the wearer’s chest.  Details of the strap placement on the original artifact are sketchy but most of the photos I have looked at don’t show any sign of a strap on the edge opposite the stiffening strut.  There appears to be a jagged strip of leather attached to the uppermost edge of the flap at the opening nearest the strut.  That may be the upper part of the missing strap. 

I am right handed and when engaged in the sport of archery I draw my arrows from over my right shoulder.  It is my belief from observation that other right handed archers do the same.  It is therefore my hypothesis based on the aforementioned evidence that Ötzi  was left handed.  How can I prove this?  I don’t know, short of inventing a time machine and going back to ask him which hand he favors.  Perhaps there is some scientific way to determine his handedness.  I do not have access to that information nor do I have access to Ötzi’s original equipment to look it over with my own eyes.  I am left relying on other people’s idea of what is important to show in a photograph.  Usually the best side of an object is shown and not multiple views of all sides and minute details.  As a replicator the use of photographs is critical for the accuracy of my creations.  I can’t travel to where the artifacts are housed and likely would not be allowed to examine them anyway if I did, so all I can do is speculate about missing details. 

Perhaps someday someone with authority over the Ötzi collection will read what I have written here and examine the Iceman's body and his artifacts with handedness in mind.  There may be wear patterns on his tools and weapons or structural development of his body that is consistent with a leftie.  There is always the possibility that Ötzi “borrowed” the quiver and his other trappings as he was making a hasty retreat trying to avoid the pursuing enemy or enemies who eventually sealed his fate.  He may have picked up a lefties’ quiver in haste.  With that in mind it may be impossible to get an answer to the question of which of Ötzi’s hands was dominant.  I guess ultimately it doesn’t really matter one way or the other.  Another question about the Iceman that plagues me is how he could wear the quiver and a back pack at the same time…