Aerophones, which are more than 12 thousand years old, were discovered by Israeli archaeologists (5 photos + 1 video)
People appreciated the magic of sounds in ancient times. And they used a variety of improvised materials to obtain them. 
Israeli archaeologists discovered an unexpected find in northern part of the country on the territory of Einan Mallah - seven miniature flutes, for the manufacture of which duck bones were used. 
A detailed analysis of the material is presented in the journal Scientific reports. Unfortunately, six musical instruments turned out to be split, but the last one is about 6.5 centimeters long, excellent survived, which made it possible to study the flute and conclude that its basis steel tubular bones of small ducks.
Functions of Ancient Bone Flutes 
Each flute is drilled with holes ranging from four to seven pieces. Closing them allowed the pitch to be adjusted. To understand how these ancient aerophones sounded, as well as to find out and their other functions, made exact replicas of the flutes.
During testing, it turned out that mini-tools accurately imitate the voice of the sparrowhawk and kestrel - common and very common inhabitants of the region in the Neolithic era.
It turns out that with the help of flutes hunters lured birds? But the researchers proved the inconsistency of this version - too small chances of attracting prey with a primitive musical instrument. 
Sparrowhawk and Kestrel
A more plausible version is the use of flutes when conducting rites and rituals in which people undertook attempts to imitate the voices of birds, which were greatly appreciated and, perhaps, tried to communicate with them using these tools.
The uniqueness of the find lies in the fact that such ancient musical instruments were previously found only in Europe. These flutes are the first to be found and identified in the Middle East.
Tools that can be called the starting point of evolution music of the region, became part of the exposition of the Hebrew University Jerusalem. 
Ancient bird bone flute
