Explain the issues relating to the custodianship and ownership of the Iceman and the ethics involved in displaying his human remains?

 

Still to this day there is no clear answer over the controversy in regards to who owned the Iceman.

"Was it Austria, Italy, Scientists or the Historians?"

 There were territorial disputes between Austria and Italy at the time and the discovery and ownership of Otzi simply en-flamed these disagreements. Ultimately, the body was discovered 96 meters into the Italian Border.

'Austria and Italy fought a bitter battle over custody, which was resolved only when authorities confirmed that his find spot was located in Italy.This meant that Italy was allowed to claim the Iceman, renovate a building to house his exhibit, and reap substantial financial rewards form tourists and documentary filmmakers.'
( http://www.mummytombs.com/otzi/findspot.htm , accessed 20/03/2012).

Through the constant bickering, Austria argued that Otzi could have been Austrian, hence, another political question arose. After thorough scientific investigation and research, it was confirmed that he was born in the Italian side of the border (this was a long time before the border even existed!)

It is now accepted that, as the find spot was actually just 96 meters inside the Italian border, it should be the Italian claim to physical possession should be accepted. This is the case, however Austrian scientific input in regards to the continued investigation of the Iceman would be welcomed.

"Today, the remains of Otzi the Iceman now lie in a purpose built facility entrusted
to the supervision of The South Tyrol Museaum of Archaeology in Bolzano in Italy.
The remains are stored in a nitrogen rich atmosphere under the conditions of controlled
temperature and humidity for preservation against decay and damaging moulds but can be
seen through a viewing window by interested Visitors"

(http://www.age-of-thesage.org/archaeology/otzi_iceman_genetic_mapping.html accessed 20/03/2012)

But some questions still remain: Is it ethical to allow people to view the Iceman through the glass window? Is it ethical to investigate the body? Is it ethical to excavate the remains site?


It is fair enough to say that excavating human remains, and most importantly, the Iceman has led to new discoveries and information that can be obtained. Without the study of the Iceman, we would not know about the lifestyle in which the people in those times had lived, the items they used, the food they ate and the landscape in relation to where they lived.

Some people believe that the remains should be reburied because it is wrong and disrespectful to have bodies investigated and shown on display, let alone tampered with. Through my research I can conclude that the Iceman was treated with respect and was investigated carefully- but my idea is highly subjective as the Austrian and Italian cultures may have their own, various ways of respecting the dead.

Reference:
              http://www.mummytombs.com/otzi/identity.htm
              http://www.mummytombs.com/otzi/findspot.htm