page_title: Paleolithic flutes
hierarchical_section_title: Paleolithic flutes
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Jungpaläolithische Flöte dem „Geissenklösterle“, deutsche Höhle auf der Schwäbischen Alb. Replika. English: Bone flute dated in the Upper Paleolithic from Geissenklösterle, a german cave on the Swabian region. Replica. Español: Flauta paleolítica de hueso: auriñaciense, del yacimiento de Geissenklösterle (Suavia, Alemania).Réplica expuesta en la Galería de exposiciones del Parque de la Prehistoria de Teverga (Pincipado de Asturias, España)
context_page_description: During regular archaeological excavations several flutes, that date to the European Upper Paleolithic have been discovered in caves in the Swabian Alb region of Germany. Dated and tested independently by two laboratories, in England and Germany, the artifacts are authentic products of the Homo sapiens Aurignacian archaeological culture, made in between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago. The flutes, made of bone and ivory, represent the earliest known musical instruments and provide unmistakable evidence of prehistoric music. The flutes were found in the Caves with the oldest Ice Age art, where also the oldest known examples of figurative art were discovered. Music and sculpture as artistic expression have developed simultaneously among the first humans in Europe, as the region is considered a key area in which various cultural innovations have developed. Experts say, besides serving recreation and religious purposes, ritual music might have helped to maintain larger social networks, a competitive advantage over the Neanderthals.
context_section_description: During regular archaeological excavations several flutes, that date to the European Upper Paleolithic have been discovered in caves in the Swabian Alb region of Germany. Dated and tested independently by two laboratories, in England and Germany, the artifacts are authentic products of the Homo sapiens Aurignacian archaeological culture, made  in between 43,000 and 35,000 years ago. The flutes, made of bone and ivory, represent the earliest known musical instruments and provide unmistakable evidence of prehistoric music. The flutes were found in the Caves with the oldest Ice Age art, where also the oldest known examples of figurative art were discovered. Music and sculpture as artistic expression have developed simultaneously among the first humans in Europe, as the region is considered a key area in which various cultural innovations have developed. Experts say, besides serving recreation and religious purposes, ritual music might have helped to maintain larger social networks, a competitive advantage over the Neanderthals.
caption: Aurignacian flute made from an animal bone, Geissenklösterle (Swabia)
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