🔄FROM THE ARCHIVE A team of archaeologists is working to uncover whether ancient objects in South Africa were once used as sound tools to make noise or music.
. An earlier researcher had noted that the disk from the Klasies site, which happens to be about 4,800 years old, could, in fact, be a sound tool—but no one had investigated that possibility rigorously.
In the otherwise silent room of the university, Kumbani could experiment in earnest. Knowing the disks could make a sound was just his first question. He also needed to see how “playing” the disk would wear upon the bone material so he and Wurz could then check whether the original artifacts bore similar signs of use. Kumbani threaded each with different kinds of string, such as plant fiber or hide, to see how it might change the friction patterns.
All of the six artifacts from the Klasies and Matjes River sites made a noise, but the pendants were the real surprise. These items had been on display at a museum for decades before being stored in a box and forgotten about. Yet all four produce a low thrum when they are spun. Identifying sound tools from these sites brings a special attention to these objects. Colonial-era archaeologists and, later, 20th-century physical anthropologists—often fixated on the science of race—about non-European peoples that could have led them to dismiss signs of culture and innovation that suffused the lives of ancient people.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa manhunt for convicted killer who escaped prisonSouth African police have launched a manhunt for convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester who escaped from a privately-run maximum security prison in the Free State province under bizarre circumstances.
Read more »
South Africa manhunt for convicted killer who escaped prisonJOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African police have launched a manhunt for convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester who escaped from a privately-run maximum security prison in the Free State province under bizarre circumstances.
Read more »
Princess Diana's Niece Paid Tribute to Her with Her Wedding DressLady Amelia Spencer married Greg Mallett in South Africa last week.
Read more »
Will an Oil Racket Destroy One of Africa's Most Sacred Places?A Canadian company has begun drilling near Africa’s protected Okavango River Delta, promising jobs for locals and endless fossil fuel for investors. So far, there’s been no oil — but there have been big profits for the founders.
Read more »
Harris in Africa looks to painful past, innovative futureACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday stood before a monument commemorating Ghana's independence from colonialism and envisioned a grand future between the U.S. and Africa, propelled by innovation on the continent.
Read more »
S.Africa's grannies kick out stereotypes on the soccer fieldSouth Africa’s Vakhegula Vakhegula soccer team jogged into the stadium to cheers ahead of their first match against team USA at the Grannies International Football Tournament. Vakhegula means 'grandmothers' in the Tsonga language
Read more »