2 Comments

very interesting. the article did not mention percussion instruments, and i wonder whether some percussion instruments would be the earliest musical instruments used, such as different primitive drums and and shakers. Percussive patterns could have been used as some sort of a primitive morse code for communication, long before the capability of using other instruments and vocal communication evolved.

Expand full comment

interesting how consistent the pattern seems to be across societies. i'm curious whether the women are genuinely naive to the impersonation of spirit voices or the disappearance of meat, etc, or if there is any indication that they are just performing their designated role in some ritual drama.

Expand full comment