MICHAEL MAYR CREATES

Primitive Arts

Primitive Arts Gallery

Bows and quiver made by Michael Mayr

Michael, dressed as Otzi

How it began

I was intrigued at the discovery of Ötzi, the 5,300 year-old ice-mummy, found in 1991 in the Schnalstal glacier in the Ötztal Alps. While working in Austria, I was lucky enough to meet Helmut and Erika Simon, the people who found him.

Years later, I met Ernst Bierling who reconstructed Ötzi's clothing and equipment. We became good friends and he ended up teaching me all I know about primitive arts, bowbuilding and fire-making. Later on I was the photo model for his Ötzi exhibitions. (Slide show)

I moved to Canada in 2007 to put into practical use all I'd learned about primitive wilderness living. I currently offer bow-building, arrow-making and primitive archery accessories (e.g. quivers, finger-taps and arm guards).

I also offer courses in fire-striker forging (including various ways of fire-starting) and leather-tooling.

Michael wearing the re-created clothing and equipment of Otzi, the 5300 year-old frozen hunter