DNA analysis of Oetzi the Iceman's clothes has traced their origin to at least five different species of animal.
Among his kit were a hat of brown bear skin and a quiver made from roe deer.
Despite being well preserved and studied, the 5,300-year-old mummy's various leather items had not all been identified at the species level.
These findings, published in Scientific Reports, reveal a mix of wild-hunted animals with sheep, goat and cattle related to modern domestic breeds.
The researchers say this points to Copper Age people choosing carefully between different wild and domesticated animals when looking for materials to make their clothes.
But Oetzi's motley wardrobe, including a coat made from at least four separate goat and sheep hides, could also suggest a more haphazard and desperate approach - stitching together whatever scraps of skin were available.-read more
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