Sounds from a Paleolithic seashell horn

Abstract

Archaeology Although flutes and whistles made of bone have been found at Upper Paleolithic archaeological sites in Europe, musical instruments made of other materials are uncommon. Fritz et al. have identified the earliest known conch shell in the world, dating from about 17,000 years ago, which was used as a wind instrument at the French Magdalenian site of Marsoulas Cave. Careful removal of the apex of the shell in ancient times allowed air to flow through it to produce sound. Experiments revealed that playing the shell produces three notes similar to C, C-sharp, and D. Image enhancement of the exterior of the shell revealed dots of red pigment similar to paintings found on the cave walls. Sci. Adv. 10.1126/sciadv.abe9510 (2021).