American University of Beirut

​​​​Flutes made of animal bone or mammoth ivory are among the earliest evidence of the existence of music in ancient societies. In 1995, archaeologists found an approximately 43,400-year-old carved bone with four holes which could have been used to play notes. It was discovered in a cave in Slovenia that was associated with the Neanderthal culture. In Germany, archaeologists have found mammoth and swan bone flutes dating back 37,000-30,000 years.

The earliest written mention of a flute comes from a cuneiform tablet written in about 2600-2500 BC in Sumer, South Mesopotamian valley, and refers to the “gu-di" or “gi-di" a type of flute.

At the AUB Museum, a showcase features two molded male flute players (pic 1-2: Inv.# 83.4 & Inv.# 84.1) dating back to the Hellenistic period. They are both dressed with a chiton tied at the waist and their hair parted in the middle and falling on their shoulders.

 Stay tuned to discover more artifacts from the AUB Museum.

​      Male flute player (Inv.# 83.4)                                    Hellenistic Period                                     Height: 9.4cm             Width: 5.2cm              Th.: 4.1cm​

​ ​Male flute player (Inv.# 84.1)                                   Hellenistic Period                                       Height: 10.5cm             Width: 5.2cm              Th.: 4.5cm

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