Arkeonews

The National Museum of Iran has launched an exciting initiative in collaboration with the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts to bring its priceless historical treasures to a wider audience. Through a new series of short documentary videos, the museum is showcasing key artifacts—among them, a remarkable 8,000-year-old bone flute that could be one of the oldest known musical instruments in the world.

This prehistoric  flute was unearthed during archaeological excavations in the 1970s at the Sang-e Chakhmaq mounds, located near Shahrud, a historic city in northeastern Iran. Shahrud lies in Semnan Province and is known for its diverse landscapes, ancient sites, and connection to the Silk Road. The discovery site, Sang-e Chakhmaq (meaning “flint mound”), is one of Iran’s most significant Neolithic settlements. 

A Closer Look at the 8,000-Year-Old Flute

According to Dr. Fereidoun Biglari, deputy director of the National Museum of Iran, who spoke to the Tehran Times, the flute is made from the bone of a large migratory bird. It features four main finger holes and an additional hole near its end—testament to the complex craftsmanship of early humans. Stone tools were used to shape the long bone, and visible cutting marks on the surface offer rare insight into the  instrument’s manufacturing process.

Efforts are currently underway to reconstruct the ancient flute using similar materials. With the help of a professional musician, the museum aims to recreate the sounds once produced by this remarkable artifact—potentially allowing us to hear the echoes of music from the Neolithic era.

The Role of Music in Ancient Iran

Dr. Biglari suggests that bone flutes like the one found at Sang-e Chakhmaq may have served multiple purposes in early human societies. They could have been used in spiritual rituals, community ceremonies, or even for practical tasks like herding animals or sending signals across long distances. These flutes reflect the early development of music as a social and cultural expression, highlighting the importance of sound and rhythm in prehistoric life.

The Significance of Sang-e Chakhmaq

Sang-e Chakhmaq is a vital archaeological site that includes two major mounds: Eastern and Western. The ancient flute was found in the eastern mound, which shows evidence of ceramic production and early urban life. In contrast, the western mound holds older, aceramic Neolithic layers with mud-brick structures, fire pits, and flint tools.