The Audible Past: Exploring the Technology of Prehistoric Bone Aerophones in Eurasia

Maria Czarita A. Aguja

School of Archaeology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines; Instituto Politécnico de Tomar, Portugal; mariaczarita@gmail.com

Archaeological discoveries of bone aerophones across Europe have long stimulated research into the morphological, technological and musical properties of sonorous osseous artifacts. Published works on bone materials such as the flutes from Swabian Jura, Isturitz, Vézère Dordogne, Grubgraben, and Veyreau, as well as those identified as possible flutes and whistles from Divje Babe and Avidje, shed information on bone technology and sound-making practices during the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods in Europe. Parallel finds in Asia, notably the Neolithic bone flutes from Ain Mallaha and Jiahu, and a rare discovery from the Philippines in Nagsabaran site, have further broadened the geographical and cultural scope of archaeomusicological research. However, a comparative study that closely investigates the characteristics of these archaeological aerophones between these regions, specifically across Eurasia has not been performed yet. This paper surveys existing scholarship and undertakes a comparative assessment of the technology and sound properties of these prehistoric materials. By synthesising published scholarly sources and exploring the methodologies employed in evaluating their physical and sound attributes, this research work lays out the fundamental principles and techniques in prehistoric bone aerophone production, allows the comparison of their properties, and drives innovative ideas for future experimental activities.