As we journey from artistic creations, art has always been an integral part of human evolution. While visual art captured the stories and beliefs of early civilizations, another form of artistic expression began to emerge—Music.

In this chapter of the Journey of Art, we detour from visual art to explore the origins of music, tracing its roots back to the earliest known instrument discovered in the caves of Germany.

The first instrument: a flute from a bear’s femur

One of the earliest known musical instruments, a flute made from the femur bone of a bear, was discovered in the Swabian Jura caves of Germany. Estimated to be over 40,000 years old, this ancient flute provides evidence that early humans were not only capable of creating tools for survival but also for artistic and recreational purposes.

Crafted with precision, the flute featured strategically placed holes, suggesting an understanding of tonal variation. The discovery of this instrument challenges the notion that early humans were solely focused on survival; rather, it indicates a society that appreciated sound and sought ways to manipulate it into structured patterns.

The rhythms of the hunt: music’s accidental birth

Before formal instruments, sound was already a part of early human life. The noises made during hunting—such as rhythmic footsteps, the clash of spears, or the vocal calls between hunters—may have unintentionally created the first rhythms. Over time, these sounds could have evolved into deliberate patterns, giving rise to early forms of musical composition.

It is possible that early humans began experimenting with different sounds using bones, wood, or stones, discovering that they could control and recreate specific tones. These rhythmic patterns may have played a role in group coordination during hunting or even in ritualistic ceremonies that strengthened social bonds.

Some anthropologists believe that drumming or clapping may have been the first forms of music, accompanying work, or dance.

The discovery of notes: higher and lower tones

The bear femur flute, with its carefully placed holes, reveals another crucial development—the discovery of pitch variation. By covering and uncovering different holes, early musicians could produce higher and lower notes, demonstrating a primitive understanding of musical scales. This discovery would have laid the foundation for the melodic structures found in later musical traditions.

This experimentation with sound likely led to the recognition of harmonies and dissonances, opening the door for more sophisticated musical expressions. Over time, different materials were tested—hollow reeds, animal horns, and wooden pipes—expanding the possibilities of early music and its role in human culture.

Music and ritual: the spiritual connection

As music evolved, it took on roles beyond mere entertainment. Many early societies incorporated music into religious and spiritual practices, using sound as a means of connecting with the divine or invoking higher states of consciousness. The rhythmic beats of drums, the haunting melodies of flutes, and the chants of voices all played a role in shaping early spiritual experiences.

The use of music in ceremonies—whether for fertility rituals, hunting preparations, or burial rites—demonstrates its deep psychological and emotional impact on early humans. Just as visual art captured the symbolic and mythological aspects of human experience, music became a way to transcend the physical world and tap into something greater than oneself. This connection between sound and spirituality remains evident in many indigenous traditions worldwide.

The social and cultural impact of early music

Beyond its spiritual significance, music played a crucial role in fostering social cohesion.

Shared musical experiences—whether in the form of communal singing, rhythmic drumming, or dancing—helped strengthen group identity and cooperation. In hunter-gatherer societies, music may have served as a form of communication, a way to pass down oral traditions, or a method of teaching younger generations.

Early humans likely discovered that music had an emotional power, capable of evoking joy, and sorrow, or even inducing trance-like states. This ability to influence emotions made music an essential tool for storytelling, celebration, and even conflict resolution.

Echoes of this ancient understanding of music can still be found in modern societies, where songs bring people together in times of joy and mourning.

Comparisons with other ancient instruments

While the bear femur flute is one of the oldest known instruments, similar discoveries have been made across the world. Flutes crafted from bird bones have been found in China, dating back nearly as far as the German flute. Meanwhile, archaeological evidence suggests that early percussion instruments, such as drums and rattles, were widely used in Africa and South America.

These findings indicate that music was not an isolated development but a universal human experience. Different cultures, separated by vast distances, independently discovered the power of music and integrated it into their societies. The similarities in these ancient instruments suggest that early humans instinctively recognized the artistic and communicative potential of sound.

Music as an art form: the birth of creative pursuits

Just as cave paintings evolved into intricate storytelling, early music gradually became more than just a byproduct of daily life. It transformed into an art form, a means of communication, and a way to express emotions beyond words. Music became a companion to rituals, celebrations, and storytelling, weaving itself into the very fabric of human culture.

The development of music as an art form also paved the way for a broader range of creative pursuits. As humans learned to manipulate sound intentionally, they laid the groundwork for future musical traditions, instruments, and even dance. The rhythmic and melodic elements of music found their way into communal gatherings, religious ceremonies, and artistic performances, reinforcing the idea that art—whether visual or auditory—was essential to human identity.

The psychological and emotional power of music

Music’s ability to move and influence human emotions is one of its most profound qualities. Even in ancient times, early humans likely recognized that certain rhythms and melodies could evoke specific feelings. The steady beat of a drum could create a sense of urgency or excitement, while the soft melody of a flute might instill calm and introspection.

This emotional power made music an essential part of storytelling. Long before written language, oral traditions were accompanied by song, helping to preserve myths, histories, and cultural values across generations. This link between music and memory still exists today, as songs often serve as time capsules of emotions and shared experiences.

Conclusion: the interwoven tapestry of art and music

The discovery of the bear femur flute is more than an archaeological finding; it is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to create. From the rhythmic sounds of the hunt to the delicate notes of a bone flute, music emerged as an extension of artistic expression, forever linking sound to human evolution.

As we continue our exploration of art’s journey, it becomes clear that music was not an isolated phenomenon but part of a greater creative awakening. The same impulse that drove early humans to carve sculptures and paint cave walls also inspired them to explore sound, leading to the vast and intricate musical traditions we know today.

In understanding music’s origins, we deepen our appreciation for the universal language of art in all its forms.

Whether through visual expression or the resonance of sound, the creative spirit of humanity remains one of the most defining aspects of our existence.