Detection of 9,000-year-old super neck flute

Chinese archaeologists say three flutes made from bird bones have been discovered in three graves in central China.

A flute made from bird bones found in Jiahu.(Photo: Chinadaily)

The scientists said that these are small brown tubes, about 20cm long, with patterns engraved on the surface. It has at least 7 different ancient sounds or is divided into many notes. According to archaeologists, this is the oldest musical instrument in the world ever found.

Although rough and simple, the flute shows that the ancient Chinese had played music 9,000 years ago, even before their writing was born.

The archaeological site is located in Jiahu (Jiahu) in Wuyi County, China dates back to the Neolithic period, about 7,500 to 9,000 years ago. Archaeologists have excavated the area eight times since 1983. Hundreds of caves, kilns, and remains of buildings, and many graves have been found here.

Zhang Juzhong, the head of the study, said: 'The culture creators in Jiahu are not only hunters, fishermen and craftsmen but also farmers and talented artists. Fake Lake culture exists with the Tigris and Euphrates civilization (in southwest Asia, originating from Turkey, flowing through Syria and Iraq). '