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The Hide Coat
Ötzi’s coat was made of the hide of the domestic goat. On the inner side, numerous signs of scraping are visible, probably marks from the process of cleaning the skin.
Scientific investigations indicate that the hides were tanned using fat and smoke. Once tanned, the sections were carefully cross-stitched together. The stitching was done with the fibres of animal sinews.
The coat was worn with the fur side out. Darker stripes were alternated with lighter ones to produce a striking pattern.
The Iceman probably wore the coat with the front open, as there is no fastener, though he could have kept it closed using his belt.
Nothing remains of the sleeves of the coat. It is therefore unclear whether the coat actually had sleeves.
The hide coat had been used over a long period of time, as can be seen from the dirt and sweat marks on the inside. Torn seams had been crudely mended with grass fibres, perhaps by Ötzi himself.
