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.
/Flute/83.4%20(1)%20white.jpg) Male flute player (Inv.# 83.4) Hellenistic Period Height: 9.4cm Width: 5.2cm Th.: 4.1cm
| /Flute/84.1.jpg) Male flute player (Inv.# 84.1)
Hellenistic Period Height: 10.5cm Width: 5.2cm Th.: 4.5cm
|