Prehistoric music was essential to the development of human culture.
Long before complex concepts, speech or writing, humans were already creating music! This prehistoric music spanned a vast period and likely emerged alongside the development of language and basic social structures.
We know a lot about what ancient civilizations like Egypt, the Greeks or Romans thought of music and how they incorporated it into everyday life, but how it all started?
Let’s explore together the roots and purposes of music in human history!
First step: the birth of song It all started with the human voice and body percussion like clapping or stomping. People used their voices to express themselves, while clapping and other sounds created rhythms. Early singing was probably exclamative rather than communicative, emerging from emotions and experiences, such as joy or sorrow.
The complex speech abilities likely evolved together with the evolution of singing. As cognitive capacities expanded, so too did the complexity of musical expression.
Early instruments The oldest known musical instruments are bone flutes, some dating back forty thousand years! This suggests music is deeply embedded in human life for a long time. Instruments in general were made from animal bones and natural materials. Archaeologists have even found flutes made from mammoth bones!
The physical evidence suggests music-making was widespread among prehistoric peoples, possibly used for both communication and rituals.
Good to know!
In 1883, Joseph Hudson created a whistle made from brass, featuring a long cylindrical shape with a mouthpiece and two sound release cutouts. This design allowed for a loud, two-tone sound that could be heard up to two miles away, addressing the limitations of the wooden rattles previously used by police officers in London.
The whistle’s rim enabled officers to grip it with their teeth while running, and a ring at the end allowed it to be easily attached to uniforms for quick access. The Metropolitan Police of London quickly recognized the utility of Hudson’s whistle. After a successful demonstration, they ordered 21,000 units.
Why make music? Music was not just for fun, but played part in many important areas of life.
Connecting the tribe: Early humans likely used music to communicate within their groups, building social bonds and coordinating hunts. They may have used rhythmic sounds and vocalizations to send messages over long distances, much like drums and horns are used today.
Ritual rhythms: Music played a major role in rituals like healing practices, hunting ceremonies, and communal dances around fires. These activities often imitated animal movements and sounds, believed to increase hunting success or connecting with the spiritual world.
Stronger together: Music fostered a sense of community through shared activities like singing and dancing. This was crucial for social bonding and even attracting potential mates. These activities helped strengthen group identity and create shared memories.
Work rhythms: As societies shifted from hunting to farming, music and singing have provided a rhythmic background for labor. This helped to break up the monotony and the passing of time.
Connecting with nature: Prehistoric people likely saw music as connection to the natural world, believing it could influence their environment or attract animals.
The legacy of music Studying prehistoric music shows how essential it was to the development of human culture. It was not just a way for self-expression, but a vital tool for communication, social gatherings, and spiritual connection. As societies evolved, so did their music, laying the foundation for the rich fabric of music that continues to this day.
