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Carved from the wing bones of cranes. China is home to amongst the oldest playable musical instruments in the world.

The site is not only is it known for its flutes. It has also gained attention due to other discoveries like booze and writing
Including some of the earliest examples of Chinese writing; and, evidence of alcohol fermented from rice, honey and hawthorn leave.

Jiahu was apart of the northern Mongoloid group (around 5000 km from Beringa)
Many kilometers south, was the larger Peiligang group. Whose 2nd and 3rd stage excevations yielded a similar culture (the 1st stage of Jiahu was unique).

The early neolithic site of Jiahu lies near a boundary. Between the cool, dry north; and the warm, moist south
It was a dividing point. There is abundant proof of millet farming in the cool, dry and high latitudes of the Yellow River Valley. While rice farming dominated in warm, moist low latitudes of the Yangtze River Valley.

Did you know? Jiahu rice cultivation is one of the earliest and most northerly found. At such an early stage in history.

Jiahu symbols, possibly an early example of proto-writing, were carved into tortoise shells and bones

Some of the flutes are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations too. Including geometric patterns and animal motifs.

Jiahu bone flutes provide priceless insights into musical practices and cultures of neolithic culture and China. It represents a milestone in the history of music. The site has provided valuable insights into the early development of writing, too. Shedding light on the lifestyles and practices of early communities worldwide.

Bibliography: Li, X; Harbottle, Garman; Zhang Juzhong; Wang Changsui (2003). “The earliest writing? Sign use in the seventh millennium BC at Jiahu, Henan Province, China”. Antiquity. 77 (295): 31–44. doi:10.1017/S0003598X00061329 (https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0003598X00061329.S2CID) 162602307 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:162602307).

McGovern, Patrick E., et al., 2004 “Fermented beverages of pre- and proto-historic China.”PNAS 101(51):17593-17598

Zhang, Juzhong; Xiao, Xinghua; Lee, Yun Kuen (2004). “The early development of music. Analysis of the Jiahu bone flutes” (http://antiquity.ac.uk/Ant/078/0769/Ant0780769.pdf) (PDF). Antiquity. 78 (302): 769–778. doi:10.1017/S0003598X00113432 (https://doi.org/10.1017