The voice of the Adriatic? The Keszthely triton conch trumpet

Abstract

A trumpet made from the shell of a triton conch (Charonia sp.), from the time of the Late Copper Age Protoboleráz horizon, was found at the Keszthely–Fenékpuszta I site in western Hungary. Triton’s trumpet conches are widely spread in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean marine habitats, including the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. In Hungary, extremely rare finds of this species may have originated from the Adriatic Sea, the closest distribution area within the reach of long-distance trade. By removing the tip of the shell of the conch, a horn was made which could be used to emit high-pitched sounds, as a ceremonial horn and/or played in harmony with other instruments.