Facial Reconstruction
First Face of Otzi - 1993
Due to the advancement of technology over the years, there are three faces which are believed to belong to Otzi the Iceman. By using the data obtained via the prior CT-scans done of Otzi's skull, Artist John Gouche was able to maintain a grasp of what Otzi might have looked like. He entered that data into a 3D imaging computer program, which showed what the skull looked like. From that result, Gouche sculpted Otzi's skull before adding features. With the help of modern-day male European civilian volunteers, Gouche made tissue depth measurements to figure out how thick Otzi's face would have been.
Second face of Otzi - 1998
When the decision that Otzi was to be set in the Italian museum, a second test was done to see if they could get a more accurate picture of Otzi. Professor Peter Vanezis used a laser to scan the skull into his facial reconstruction system. This means that Vanezis was able to recreate a more accurate picture of Otzi. The laser scan shapes a generic face from measuring the proportions of Otzi's skull.
This generic face of Otzi is in display in the Italian museum in the life-sized model of him.
This generic face of Otzi is in display in the Italian museum in the life-sized model of him.
Third Face of Otzi - 2011
In 2011, a third reconstruction was conducted. Using CT-scans conducted in 2010 and other data, the new replica of Otzi's skill was recreated by stereolithography. Stereolithography is the technique or process for creating three-dimensional objects, in which a computer-controlled moving laser beam is used to build up the required structure, via layers, from a liquid polymer that hardens on contact with laser light.
This new face of Otzi depicts him much older than the previous versions. This is because based on the more recent findings, it is believed that the Iceman's fave would have been weather-beaten and prematurely aged due to the harsh climates of the Copper Age Alps.
This new face of Otzi depicts him much older than the previous versions. This is because based on the more recent findings, it is believed that the Iceman's fave would have been weather-beaten and prematurely aged due to the harsh climates of the Copper Age Alps.
Question is now, which face do you believe suits the Iceman more?