Prehistoric Remnants: Extraction of Bones from the Stone Age

Archaeologists unearthed an extraordinary artifact in 2008 at the Hohle Fels site in the Swabian Alb - a vulture bone flute.

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2025 September 1 . 4:07 AM

2 min read

Uncovered Bone Remnants from the Prehistoric Era

Prehistoric Remnants: Extraction of Bones from the Stone Age

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The Goose Vulture Flute, discovered in the Hohle Fels cave near Blaubeuren, Germany, is one of the oldest known musical instruments ever found, carrying profound historical and cultural significance.

Age and Origin

The flute is estimated to be approximately 35,000 to 40,000 years old, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period, specifically associated with the Aurignacian culture. The flute was carved from the wing bone of a griffon vulture (hence often called the Goose Vulture Flute) and found in the Swabian Jura region of southwestern Germany, an area rich in early human artistic and cultural artifacts.

Historical Significance

The flute is among the earliest evidence of human-made musical instruments, showcasing advanced craftsmanship and cognitive abilities of early Homo sapiens. Its discovery helps demonstrate that early modern humans had developed symbolic behavior, creativity, and complex social structures much earlier than previously thought. The instrument, along with other ivory figurines and carvings from the site, indicates that music played an essential role in Paleolithic life.

Potential Use in Paleolithic Rituals or Communication

The flute likely had a ceremonial or ritualistic function, possibly used in religious practices, social bonding, or rites of passage. Music may have fostered group cohesion and spiritual expression. Beyond ritual use, the flute might have served as a means of non-verbal communication over distances in hunter-gatherer societies, signaling or coordinating group activities such as hunting or movement.

The craftsmanship involved in making the flute suggests that it was a valued object, potentially carried and played by specific individuals such as shamans, leaders, or musicians within the community.

Summary

The Goose Vulture Flute from Hohle Fels is a landmark archaeological find that highlights early symbolic behavior and the complex cultural life of Paleolithic humans. Its age and artistry point to music’s role in prehistoric societies, not only as artistic expression but also as a tool for ritual and communication, enriching our understanding of early human cognitive and social development.

The Hohle Fels cave, located on the Swabian Alb, has provided numerous sensations for pre- and early history, with the Goose Vulture Flute being one of its most significant finds. The flute, along with other artefacts from the site, is now on display at the Prehistoric Museum Blaubeuren. Additional flutes, including one made of swan bone and one of mammoth ivory, were found in the vicinity of the Hohle Fels, in the Geißenklösterle, and are also part of the museum's collection.