Reconstruction of the Divje babe bone flute

thingiverse

This is based on a reconstruction of a 36,000-year-old bone flute discovered at the Divje Babe I cave site in Slovenia. A 3D-printable version was created by tracing the shape described by archeologist Ivan Turk's research. Figures used to create this flute's design come from Chapter 15 of "Origins of Music," published by the MIT Press in 2000. To replicate the shape of the original, I had to make compromises that made it challenging for me to play despite my best efforts. However, with persistence and practice, I managed to play multiple notes using this flute as an edge-blown flute with a diatonic scale, occasionally covering the opening for specific notes. Videos are available online showing professionals playing Ivan Turk's reconstruction of the ancient flute, showcasing the feasibility of its original design. Suggestions or ideas on how to refine this design and make it easier to play are welcome. Flute images used in this project are from a publication by Kunej and Turk, "New Perspectives on the Beginnings of Music."