How do we perceive sounds of originals and replicas of archaeological metal sound objects?  : An interdisciplinary study of systematic musicology, music psychology and music archaeology

Jörg Mühlhans; Markus Foramitti; Beate Maria   Pomberger

doi:10.1553/JMA-002-04

Authors

Jörg Mühlhans Universität Wien https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9720-7355
Markus Foramitti Universität Wien
Beate Maria Pomberger

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1553/JMA-002-04

Keywords:

Music Archaeology, Psychoacoustics, Psychology of Music, Metallic Idiophones, Originals, Reconstructions, Replicas

Abstract

The history of metal idiophones dates back as far as metalworking itself. These sound objects served various purposes, such as attracting attention, displaying social status, and practical use in signalling. While once integral to everyday life, these sound objects are now rarely seen outside of museums or medieval markets. In the project “Metallic Idiophones from 800 BC – 800 CE”, original and replicated metal idiophones from Central Europe were examined for their acoustic properties. Within the group of examined objects, variations in construction, shape, and alloys based on era and region can be seen. In this study, a selection of 21 original and replicated idiophones that cover most of the variations are examined for the subjective perception of their sounds. Participants in the online listening experiment (n=102, mean age = 35.6) rated sounds on pleasantness, brightness, sharpness, complexity, activation, and valence. Personality traits, musicality, preferences for sound jewellery, and beliefs in object properties were also assessed. While 75% showed low preference for sound jewellery, some associated it with high social status or metaphysical abilities. Belief in these abilities correlated with openness and preference. No age or gender effects were observed in sound ratings. Overall, sound level negatively correlated with pleasantness and positively with sharpness, activation, and valence. Sounds with higher tone-noise-ratio were perceived as brighter and sharper. Bell sounds were rated brighter, sharper, and higher in valence/activation than chimes, but lower in pleasantness. Though not directly applicable to the past, the study revealed effects related to human hearing rather than socio-cultural significance. Loud, bright, and sharp sounds were rated unpleasant, suggesting a shift from jewellery to signalling use.