The dagger found with the Iceman was made using similar construction techniques as his ax. The dagger’s blade was made of stone instead of copper, but it, too, was attached to a wooden handle with a leather cord. The woven scabbard (case) provides significant clues to the dagger’s use. First, it attests to the sharpness of the blade and the Iceman’s interest in protecting the blade from damage. Second, the scabbard suggests that the dagger was meant to be carried on the Iceman’s person, possibly tied to a belt with a leather cord. Given this, perhaps the dagger was meant to be used as hunting tool, allowing the Iceman to clean and gut game at the hunting site. It is also possible that the Iceman carried the dagger for self-defense, a hypothesis that gains credibility when one considers the manner of his death. As you examine the dagger, think about what it tells you about the Iceman’s preparations for what would turn out to be his final journey. What challenges did he expect to encounter? What role did he expect the dagger to play in helping him to meet those challenges?

Questions to Consider