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Paleolithic flutes are special musical instruments. They are ancient. Originating from around 2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 years ago
These flutes were typically made from bones, such as those of birds, and large mammals. One of the most famous examples is the Divje Babe flute, discovered in Slovenia. Some say it dates to around 43,000 years ago. There are also other flutes from this era too. Like in the Swabian Albs region of Germany; and, Gudenus cave in Austria, not far from the Danube river. Also, paleolithic flutes have been discovered in regions of France. And, around the Pyrenees mountains.

During the neolithic period. Numerous flutes have been found too. They were made from bone, wood, or other materials. These early flutes would have been similar in design to paleolithic ones. But might have exhibited advancements like craftsmanship
They would have included symbols, shapes, writings and creative designs. And there would have been other instruments like lyles, scrapers, jaw harps, xylophones and more. Some of these may have also originated during the paleolithic and neolithic period(s) too.

Paleo, and neolithic flutes are significant. They provide early evidence of humans ability to create instruments; as well as, play and appreciate music. It offers insights into the cultural and cognitive development of our ancestors. The origins of design, civilizations and neolithic architecture.

Bibliography: Hacker, L., 1884: Die Gudenushöhle, eine Rentierstation im niederösterreichischen Kremstale, Mitteilungen, Anthropologische Gesellschaft in Wien, XIV, 1884, S. 145

“Earliest music instruments found” (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-18196349).

Conard, Nicholas J.; Malina, Maria; Münzel, Susanne C. (2009). “New flutes document the earliest musical tradition in southwestern Germany”. Nature. 460 (7256): 737–40. Bibcode:2009Natur.460..737C (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2009Natur.460..737C). doi:10.1038/nature08169 (https://doi.org/10.1038%2Fnature08169). ISSN 0028-0836 (https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0028-0836). PMID 19553935 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19553935). S2CID 4336590 (https://api.semanticsc