EUH 1000
The Musical Tradition of the Prehistoric West
The first instrument was the human voice itself. Singing is the oldest form of music there is,
and yet it is unclear when exactly it was first done. Singing, humming, whistling and clicking are
at least 60,000 years old, whereas the oldest known instruments are bone flutes, dated at 43,000
years ago, found in Slovenia. Another was found in Germany from 36,000 years ago.
Rhythem was made by clapping, stone hitting, and the pounding together of stone tools.
The oldest non-Western instrument is from China, 6,000 years ago.
Site Design: David Tamm
c. 2007-2008
