The origin of music is often linked to the cognitive explosion of Homo sapiens around 50,000–60,000 years ago, evidenced by the appearance of cave paintings, ornaments and burials.
As part of broader artistic and symbolic expression, music may have contributed to maintaining larger social networks and to the expansion of modern human groups.
What was early music used for? Some proposed functions include:
- Religious rituals
- Recreation
- Motivational activities
- Group identity and cohesion
- Communication and coordination
- Aid in hunting
What is the oldest evidence?
1) Percussion instruments
The oldest evidence may be found in the archaeological site of Mezin (Ukraine): a set of mammoth bones (scapula, femur) painted with red ochre and a reindeer antler hammer, with signs of repetitive surface damage on all of them. Some interpret these bones as musical instruments. They are dated to 24,000 years.
Nutcracker Man 