The centerpiece of the
bog exhibits (and built so as to encase the three bog
bodies), this peat monolith is breathtaking. Perhaps 40 feet long and 16
feet high (a rough estimate), the cross section has been placed squarely
in the center of the main bog display.
The exhibit gives a visitor a
great deal to think about: Consider how this bog section was cut and
hauled to the museum. Consider how it was preserved so it doesn't crumble
to dust. Consider how old this cross section is. And consider the bodies
that have been found in the bogs of northern Europe.
Displayed
near the bottom of the bog, two on one side and one on the other, are
three bog bodies. This gives a vivid portrait of bog bodies in as natural
a setting as any museum provides. If the displays are somewhat inaccurate
(at least one of the bodies shown was found face down--he is now displayed
face up), a visitor can forgive the curators. This is a memorable exhibit,
creatively done, well-lit, and well worth a major detour. In fact, it is one of the
most interesting mummy museums in the world.
Neu
England Man was found in 1941 in the Lengener Moor near
Ammerland. Scientific study has revealed that he was between 40 and 50
years old when he died. Carbon-14 dating also indicates that he lived
during the Roman period. His state of preservation has deteriorated
over the years. I have not been about to find any written sources that
comment on the cause of his death, though his face seems to indicate
that he was a victim of considerable violence.
Husbäke
Man (discovered
in 1936) was
found lying face down in a bog near Ammerland. Scientists
believe that he was about 20 years old when he died and that he was
alive during the Roman period. A look inside his intestines revealed
that he had eaten fish shortly before his death. His hair was
most likely not red when he died, but light brown or blond; chemicals
in the bog would have colored his hair naturally over the centuries.
Bockhornerfeld
Man 
(discovered
in 1934) was found
lying on his right side, well pinned down. In fact, two long branches
had been placed parallel on top of the body and secured into the peat
in order to keep him at the bottom of the bog. An animal-skin cape and
a piece of woolen fabric covered the body when it was discovered.
The
museum is a treasure trove of shoes discovered in the bog; no
fewer than six are on display.
Also
interesting is a leather cape that was found along with a body
(not displayed) in 1922 in Kayhausen Moor (south of Bad
Zwischenahn, a nearby resort town).
