Final answer:
Ötzi, the well-preserved natural mummy, provides insights into ancient clothing and body modifications. His discovery sheds light on the functional clothing worn by ancient populations living in frigid areas. Ötzi is also the first known tattooed human, showcasing the ancient practice of body modification.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ötzi is a nickname given to the well-preserved natural mummy of a man who lived around 3,300 BCE. Ötzi was discovered in the alpine region between Austria and Italy in 1991. He provides valuable insights into ancient clothing, body modifications, and even the origins of certain populations.
Ötzi was found dressed in a heavy coat made of goat and sheep hides, along with tight-fitting leggings and a bearskin cap. His shoes were constructed from materials like woven grass and deer hide, which made them functional in frigid areas. This type of clothing was an improvement compared to earlier designs and allowed ancient populations to survive in cold climates.
Additionally, Ötzi is the first known tattooed human. He had tattoos of lines and crosses across his body, which were made by creating incisions in the skin and rubbing charcoal into them. This shows evidence of the ancient practice of body modification.