On  Experimental Reconstructions of the Mammoth Ivory Flute from Geißenklösterle Cave (GK3) and Other Palaeolithic Wind Instruments from South-West Germany

Anna Friederike Potengowski; Gabriele Dalferth; Wulf Hein; Barbara Spreer; Hannes Wiedmann; Maria Malina; Susanne C. Münzel

doi:10.1553/JMA-001-04

Authors

Anna Friederike Potengowski Flutist, affiliated with University of Tübingen. Home address: Elsa-Brändström-Str. 12, D-13189 Berlin, Germany
Gabriele Dalferth Musician & Archaeo-Guide, Archaeopark Vogelherd, D-89168 Niederstotzingen-Stetten, Germany
Wulf Hein Experimental Archaeologist, ARC-TECH GbR, D-63633 Birstein, Germany
Barbara Spreer Urgeschichtliches Museum Blaubeuren, D-89143 Blaubeuren, Germany
Hannes Wiedmann Urgeschichtliches Museum Blaubeuren, D-89143 Blaubeuren, Germany
Maria Malina ROCEEH (The Role of Culture in Early Expansions of Humans), University of Tübingen, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
Susanne C. Münzel University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences, Institute of Archaeological Sciences – D-72074 Tübingen, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1553/JMA-001-04

Keywords:

Palaeolithic wind instruments, Reconstructions , Musical analysis , Notched flutes , Mammoth ivory , Geißenklösterle Cave , Aurignacian

Abstract

The present paper provides a multidisciplinary approach integrating musicological, acoustical, and manufacturing aspects to the archaeological study of the mammoth ivory instrument from Geißenklösterle Cave (GK3). We present information on the archaeological background and the find history, and new insights into the playing technique of the instrument, confirming that GK3 was designed as a flute with a notch (M. Malina, S. C. Münzel). Subsequently, physical parameters causing pitch variability in general and their impact on the response of the low register of extended reconstructions are explored (G. Dalferth), before actual experiences of the chaîne opératoire of the GK3 ivory instrument are supplied (W. Hein). Due to its incompleteness, this Palaeolithic instrument allows for variability in reconstructing. A comparative tonal analysis of eight GK3 reconstructions in different lengths was conducted (A. F. Potengowski), offering new clues to possible musical intervals of the original instrument. Finally, the requirements for future research are considered.