The oldest 'musical instrument' ever found is pictured. It is one of thousands of historical relics found at the site of Divje Babe in the eastern European country of Slovenia. It is a flute made from the thigh bone of an extinct cave bear.
This flute, made during the Middle Paleolithic age, is estimated to be about 60,000 years old. It is believed that Neanderthals or their contemporaries lived in this area. This musical instrument is known as the 'Neanderthal flute'.
This flute was made by making holes at precise distances using a stone tool. It is believed that it had more holes. Flutes made during the Later Paleolithic age have been found in many parts of Europe. These are made by creating holes in the bones of animals such as flamingos, eagles, and mammoths.
