OVER TEN THOUSAND YEAR OLD BIRD BONE FLUTE MIMIC THE SOUND OF THE ANCIENT BIRD
Researchers in Israel have discovered a deposit of ancient bird bones believed to have been collected by humans 12,000 years ago. 1100 bones have been discovered in Israel's Hula Valley making for a fascinating collection. Inside these relics, however, lay some carefully carved little surprises. Seven of these bird bones were found by the Natufians, a people who lived from 13,000 to 9,700 BC. in the Levant region, made into flutes. As detailed in "Scientific Reports," the researchers were able to identify and even reproduce bone flutes that may have once been used to attract raptors by mimicking their sounds.
Bone flutes have treacherous mouths and finger holes for wind instruments like flutes. Interestingly, the ancient sculptors chose small bones of teal and coot. This size allowed the flutes to reproduce the sounds of the kestrels and sparrowhawks, the birds of prey that once inhabited the region. Technically and skillfully made flutes are believed to have been painted and worn around the neck. Additionally, they could be hunting helpers - to attract birds that the Natufians are known to have eaten. However, it is also possible that the flutes were purely ceremonial, but signs of wear on the artifacts suggest that they were once played. Still, the 12,000-year-old flutes are among the oldest bird-like instruments ever discovered.
Flutes are a particularly important find for the Middle East and a particularly interesting opportunity for researchers. The cues were created to hear the sounds of the flute. "It was very touching when I first played it and heard the sound the Natufians were making 12,000 years ago," lead author Laurent Davin of the French Research Center in Jerusalem told Live Science. Flutes are a particularly important find for the Middle East and a particularly interesting opportunity for researchers. The cues were created to hear the sounds of the flute. "It was very touching when I first played it and heard the sound the Natufians were making 12,000 years ago," lead author Laurent Davin of the French Research Center in Jerusalem told Live Science.