Very Ancient Flutes Found in Germany

Archaeologists say they have discovered the world's oldest undisputed musical instruments, four flutes made from vulture bone and mammoth tusks. They are estimated to be around 35,000 to 40,000 years old and were found in a cave in southwestern Germany.

The flutes made of mammoth ivory are a bit of a surprise, due to the difficulties of working the material. Bird bone is a much easier material to use for making flutes.

This is just another example of the evidence which shows that early modern humans in Europe during the last ice age were artistically expressive. This is shown by cave paintings and other artifacts and now we know this also included music.

See also this article on the NPR website, where you can hear a recording of a replica of a vulture bone flute.