The Standard on Sunday Generation Next
Date: 24.05.2015
Page 2
Article size: 119 cm2
ColumnCM: 26.44
AVE: 60822.22
Tke/ olJU/sf Musical
irtsfviAMe,iYh
Plato declared that "music is a
moral law. It gives soul to the
universe, wings to the mind, flight
to the imagination, and charm and
gaiety to life and to everything".
Well, where did it all start?
There's a claim that the origin
of music is likely from naturally
occurring sounds like those of the
wind and thunderstorms. Isn't it
more likely though that the human
voice, through the acts of singing,
humming and whistling to rhythmic
sensations such as clapping, was
the first musical instrument?
Archaeological research, however,
reveals that a 40,000­year­old
vulture­bone flute referred to
as Divje Babe Flute holds the
Guinness World Record for
being the oldest known musical
instrument.
The artefact discovered in July
1995 in the northwest region of
Slovenia by Slovenian archaeologist
Ivan Turk features five finger
holes and a V­shaped mouthpiece.
It is believed to have been forged
by early man from the naturally
hollow wing bones of vultures.
Researchers say this flute started
the early music tradition, which was
to be adopted by different cultures.
Ancient warriors entertained
themselves by playing and dancing
to flute tunes. It was also adopted
in religion; played to complete
religious rituals and to appease the
gods. With time, it became a form
of recreation where individuals
competed for title of best flute
player. The best were rewarded and
taken to play for royalty.
Back to the artefact; small and
narrow as it is, is believed to
have widened the avenues of
communication where a language
barrier existed. This is because
individuals played similar tunes that
passed different messages, bringing
about understanding.
To date, bands and other musical
groups still embrace the tunes a
flute, and it remains a relevant
source of music in the society and
the world at large.
Ipsos Kenya ­ Acorn House,97 James Gichuru Road ­ Lavington ­ Nairobi ­ Kenya