Scientists have allowed the use of Neolithic shells as musical instruments

Archaeologists have discovered ancient shells in Neolithic settlements and mines in Catalonia that could have been used as musical instruments. These cone tubes, created about 6 thousand years ago, emit a sound similar to the French horn. This was reported on December 2 by The Guardian newspaper.

Archaeologist, musician and professional trumpeter Mikel Lopez Garcia, who studies these finds, stressed that his research confirms the hypothesis of not only the utilitarian use of such instruments, but also their musical function.

In a study conducted jointly with Margarita Diaz-Andreu, a professor at the University of Barcelona, Lopez Garcia believes that these shells could be used not only as a means of communication between different communities, but also as ritual tools.

The specialists conducted a series of acoustic experiments with eight shells, which are quite well preserved. Experiments have shown that these tubes can not only play certain notes, but also improvise. The scientists noted that their research confirms the expressive qualities of these instruments.

"We wanted to check if there was a place for improvisation or exploration of sound resources in the works we performed. That's why we recorded small improvisations that we played on these instruments. We realized that by doing different things, we can shape the sound of shells and notes," said Lopez Garcia.

On December 1, Arkeonews magazine reported the discovery of a unique obsidian mirror in Kanhasan, Turkey. According to the publication, the find dates back to about 6.5 thousand years BC — 8.5 thousand years ago. The researchers emphasized that this type of mirror was typical for the Anatolian region. This discovery opens up the view that the creation of such products was a local innovation based on local craft traditions.

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