The Otzi Experience Weekend

The Course:

This two day workshop will focus on the two most iconic objects found with Ötzi: his flint knife and his copper axe.

Our weekend will begin at the new AncientCraft workshop, with an introductory talk on the 5,300 year old ice mummy that became one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century in Europe. We’ll explore the where, what and when of the discovery, watch footage from the iceman’s recovery and find out what life was like for Ötzi as the first metal tools started to appear in Europe.

We’ll start with a flintknapping workshop where you’ll be introduced to the basics of flintknapping to make simple flake tools like scrapers, saws and piercers before moving on to flaking a knife blade. In the afternoon, we will haft your finished flint blade and begin the process of twinning plant fibres to make his knife sheath.

On Saturday we’ll have the furnace going and you’ll all have the opportunity to cast your own copper axe head. With Em’s guidance, you’ll make a mould and help James in the courtyard to charge the furnace with copper and charcoal before using the leather bellows to melt the metal at around 1200͒C. You will be given guidance at all stages and have a couple of practice runs before you cast your own copper axe head. Once cast, you’ll clean the axe and begin to work-harden the blade so it's ready to use!

Participant Information:

Please bring suitable outdoor clothing and shoes as parts of this course take place outside. Participants must wear long trousers and closed shoes, regardless of weather, to protect themselves while casting.

Fee & Refreshments:

Our pricing includes tuition, materials, teas and coffees. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements. Our workshop is situated next to a pub that may be able to provide lunch if you call in advance or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.