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The Birch-Bark Containers
The two birch-bark containers are shaped in the form of cylindrical pots. The slightly oval-shaped base has a diameter of 15–18 cm. The wall section is around 20 cm high and is formed by a rolled rectangular piece of bark. Holes were made along the edges of the individual parts, which were then stitched together with bast.
Compared to ceramic vessels, birch-bark receptacles were much lighter and less fragile, making them ideal for an excursion into the high mountains.
The interior of one of the containers was blackened and contained freshly picked maple leaves peppered with various plant remains and traces of charcoal. This container was therefore probably used for keeping embers alight, with the leaves serving as insulating material. The Iceman had probably kindled his last fire with those embers.
