In honor of both music and memories on this last Monday of March, today I will share some of the world’s oldest known instruments…music has been around since Adam & Eve – not that I actually remember their garden! – and I’m sure that the ability to create and make music using instruments followed soon after! Dating is approximate, as expert opinions can vary widely, the ages below are suggestions based on my reading.
The oldest known instrument is generally recognized as the neanderthal flute which was dated from approx 60,000 to 50,000 years ago. Additional wind instruments from bird bones, seashells, or ivory came along from 43,000 to 18,000 years ago.
Following that, by about 6000 years, are some percussion instruments made out of bones and decorated or carved, such as mammoth scapula.
Though rock art depicted a possible stringed instrument about 13,000 later, many claim that it is actually a type of flute. But parts of the actual instruments are dated a mere 2,700 years ago in China, and 2,000 years ago in Vietnam.
I can only provide a few highlights here. But if you want to learn more, here are some suggested websites:
Preserving and Celebrating Traditional Musical Instruments
The Oldest Known Musical Instruments, by The Archeologist
8 Oldest Musical Instruments in the World
The Five Oldest Musical Instruments, from KCKPL
And watch this very entertaining and informative video from Canada’s National Music Center (and learn how to make a flute out of rhubarb while you’re at it!)
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