Tollund Man Observations and Features

Question 1

Make 4 quick observations of Tollund Man:

Answer 1

1- Body has no stab wounds or dismembered. Carefully places in sleeping position with eyes and mouth shit
2- he is wearing a cap, belt and rope around neck which could reveal cause of death
3- his skin still intact (Dark, leathery skin from chemical sphagnum)
4- Hair still intact (facial expression/details preserved)

Question 2

How is Tollund man similar and different to other bog bodies?

Answer 2

similarities:
- well preserved
- found in Northern Europe
- has some kind of clothing/objects with it
Differences:
- not brutally murdered (peaceful looking)
- placed in careful position without dismemberment/cuts etc.
- very well cared for compared to others

Question 3

Features of hair:

Answer 3

• short, 1-2 cm long
• red colour due to bog water
• original colour therefore unknown

Question 4

Features of rope:

Answer 4

• around neck tightened in noose.
• left furrow in skin on the sides of neck and under chin
• strong enough to hold grown man weight
• loose end placed under man and cut in half with knife
  (cause of death= hanged)

Question 5

Features of body:

Answer 5

• side of body turned upward in excavation, showed signs of decomposition
• right side well preserved as not in contact with air
• shrunk thus making folds in skin
• 161cm tall but likely shrunk in bog

Question 6

Features of leather cap

Answer 6

• made of sheepskin
• secured on head with two thin leather straps attached near temples and tied under chin
• loop made easy to put cap on and off
  (leather cap and belt only clothing)

Question 7

Features of head:

Answer 7

• well preserved
• eyes and mouth closed
• look on his face = calm/solemn like sleeping

Question 8

Features of arms and hands:

Answer 8

• skeletonised
• partly ruined from peat digging in bog
• only feet and one finger untouched