WHAT DO THESE ARTEFACTS TELL US ABOUT OTZI'S SOCIETY?
We already know that the people of Otzi's time lived in a small community or settlement. his equipment indicates that he may of been a hunter or gatherer among his community. Copper was not a very common material to come by at this point in time. Otzi having a copper axe could indicate a symbolism of high status within his community. Otzi having equipment of both quantity and quality could mean was a possible leader or chief, this is very plausible as was most likely the oldest living to the age of 45 which is very rare for someone from this period in time. Otzi society may have been very primitive but there is evidence that a form of hierarchy was established and there would have been rules and consequences amongst the small agricultural settlements.
There are many theories as to why Otzi was in Alps and what was the cause of his death. Many believe that he froze to death, but the reason for him being in the Alps in the first place, there is no strong evidence of. One theory is that his village may have come under attack by another settlement, we know that this was common between communities at this time. As his village was attacked he fled to the Alps and froze to death.
if this were to be true, the society of which Otzi lived in may of been a very violent one.