Classical Notes: June 25, 2009 Archive

Truly Ancient Music

Posted at 12:48 AM on June 25, 2009 by Gillian Martin

Archeologists working in southern Germany have turned up a bone flute that is probably 35,000 years old. That makes it the oldest musical instrument yet discovered.

Interestingly, they also found a female figurine carved from ivory in the same layer of sediment as the flute--perhaps the oldest known sculpture of the human form. One expert said, "It shows that from the moment that modern humans enter Europe ... it is as modern in terms of material culture as it can get." Read more about it (and see pictures) here.

Maybe soon they'll find the ancient wine glasses and cheese trays used at the opening night reception...