In this article, I will introduce the topic of archaeological acoustics and ancient “musical instruments”. As we will see, these can be used in conjunction with a number of ancient sites around the world.
Field of archaeological research
Archeology is the use of sound research within the broader field of scientific archaeology. This includes the study of acoustics at archaeological sites and the study of acoustics in archaeological artifacts. Over the past 40 years, it has become increasingly clear that studying the acoustic nature of certain areas of archeology can help us understand ancient cultures. Archeology is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses many different fields of study including: archaeology, ethnomusicology, acoustics and digital modeling. These constitute the larger field of musical archaeology.
One of the leading research groups publishing new papers in archeology is the SB Research Group (SBRG). SBRG is a multidisciplinary university project supported by the University of Trieste, Italy “aimed at research since 2010 on the architecture, geometry, shapes and materials of ancient structures in Europe”.
“Archaeoacoustics is an exciting new method for reanalyzing ancient sites. It uses different research parameters to rediscover forgotten technology that works on the field of human emotions.” (SBRG).
Engraving of pututo (conch) Strombus shell, Chavin 1000-500 BC ( CC BY 3.0 )
Research over the past few decades is beginning to shed light on the connection between ancient musical instruments and ancient sites. In Chavín de Huántar, Peru, Miriam Kolar of Stanford University reports in her paper, “The Conch Code – How Sound Science Explains an Ancient Peruvian Prophecy”:
“Archaeological research—the science of sound applied to archaeological evidence—has revealed secrets built into Chavín’s architecture, unlocked by the sound of broken conch shells. buried for millennia.”
“Performing a replica shell trumpet inside Chavín’s gallery, I could feel through my body the resonance between the instrument and the architecture, a physically and emotionally transformative experience. emotions that people in the past may have felt similarly—but interpreted differently—”.
Vibrations and sounds may have enhanced the worship of the great Goddess Cybele
Can you hear the past? Acoustic archeology is beginning to explore this new historical dimension
Purpose and use of ancient conch musical instruments
Chavín de Huántar and the work done by Stanford University provide us with a glimpse into the past of sound. A strong case has been made for the use of certain sound frequencies that influence the human emotional sphere, possibly in combination with psychotropic plants. In general, we tend to believe that our ancestors were superstitious people who derived no real material benefit from their “rituals.” Evidence seems to be gradually eroding this theory. For example, if we combine the work done by Stanford with the work done by UCLA, it becomes clear that certain sound frequencies are capable of regionally altering brain activity. From my own research and experience, I can add that, while inside some Egyptian pyramids, being immersed in these sound frequencies had a more pronounced effect than just listening to the frequencies. audio number on the headset.
Some of the notes produced by the conch shell will be amplified by the chamber that emits it. I can speak from personal experience, when the resonance pitch of the stone structure is matched, you can feel the sound waves entering your body. On the tours I help organize, people who come into contact with this effect for the first time can often be very surprised. In this context, the human voice can often sound like a didgeridoo; in the past, Australian guests have looked around for someone playing the didgeridoo! Even though that sound is simply my voice, making vowels, which are then amplified by the chamber.
Figure 1. An Aztec conch shell trumpeter called “quiquizoani” in Nahuatl from Codex Magliabecchi (Public domain)
People in the past may have experienced similar amazement. Once the initial surprise has worn off, I’ll explain how to do the changed states. This is where the practice of meditation can help. A quiet mind is important. Many of us have difficulty just sitting quietly; this can act as a barrier to the impact of sound. Relaxation and attention help facilitate the process.
Peruvian whistling ship
Another interesting ancient musical artifact is documented in a 1974 article in the Journal of Personal Psychology, “The Double-Chambered Whistling Bottle: A Unique Peruvian Form of Ceramic” by Daniel K. Stat.
This article presents results and conclusions about a seemingly harmless artifact. Archaeologists had previously dismissed these “bottle whistles” as simple entertainment while pouring drinks. However, after detailed research and analysis, the intricacies of the design and acoustic characteristics were clarified. Human trials were conducted by the Franklin Institute and Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia. The sound levels and frequency ranges produced by these artifacts are said to alter “heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.”
Figure 2. Maya monkey whistle. (William Scott / BigStockPhoto)
Conclusion from the above article
“Is it possible that for thousands of years Peruvian civilization has used sound to influence physiological and psychological reactions? Perhaps because of their more esoteric approach to life, the Andean people recognized a reality that is not easily recognized by modern humanity.”
Analysis of ancient sites around the world with acoustic properties
Part of my research focuses on investigating the global spread of ancient sites that exhibit acoustic resonance properties. One question I would like to try to answer is “did some ancient cultures have an understanding of sound and used it for altered states of consciousness?”. Based on my own experiences at various ancient sites, it is clear that archaeologists are generally wrong about our ancestors. Something they often label as “communication with the gods or the spirit world,” is a type of explanation that leaves very little explanation. Once the connection between acoustics and ancient sites was revealed, a pattern could be found around the world. From Egypt to Peru, across the Mediterranean, across Europe to Scotland, as well as in the far east including India, the connection between sound and historical places can be discerned.
Ancient acoustic artifacts and buildings analyzed through the lens of modern science are starting to reveal some fascinating clues. Some ancient peoples seem to have had sacred knowledge and science based on resonance and sound frequencies. To know more about this, I recommend you read this fascinating article “The Fall and Rise of Resonance”. This article provides an excellent overview starting with the various cultures and metaphysical beliefs of the Neolithic period, including the concepts of resonance. These include: The Hermetecists of Egypt, Jewish mysticism and gnosticism, and the Pythagorean school of Greece.
The central tenet of these different schools is an understanding of how to use certain places and frequencies of sound. They may have thought this was a way of contacting their great spirits or ancestors. Or perhaps they understand more than we give them credit for. Modern science is revealing that certain areas of the brain “light up” when exposed to certain sound frequencies. Creativity, intuition, deep personal insights, profound insight are all possible under these conditions.
A growing body of scientific research (references are at the end of this article), confirms that many ancient sites were built with acoustics as a central feature. Finally, we can see that many other websites like Chavin have been built with this purpose in mind. The acoustics at Chavin seem to have determined the entire layout of the site, including the diversion of the two rivers. A monumental task of labor, planning and human effort. This tells us something; The result of all this work is considered worthwhile. In the 21st century, we also put a lot of effort into engineering projects, such as dams; we do this because we can derive a notable benefit from all the work – the power to operate our homes and machines. Are the Peruvian people also achieving significant benefits that are worth their time and effort? Something we forgot or misunderstood?
Figure 3. Chavín de Huántar archaeological site in Peru (CC BY SA 3.0)
Articles about ancient acoustics are now becoming popular in the mainstream press; here is an example from October 2014. The International Business Times published an article “Stonehenge is a ‘Giant Echo Chamber to Summon Ancient Spirits’”.
The article continued. According to new research, the greatest relics of the ancients were giant echo chambers to create vast sound spaces to talk to the gods.
Figure 4. Stonehenge is likened to a giant echo chamber (Public Domain)
Pyramid
I could easily devote an entire article to the subject of sound chambers inside Egyptian pyramids. I visit Egypt and the Great Pyramid regularly (at the time of writing I have been there about 25 times). Great minds and ordinary people have marveled at the Great Pyramid for thousands of years – is it just a tomb as archaeologists tell us? It is an indisputable fact that the main chamber of the Great Pyramid amplified sound. I hope there are some scholars who want to dismiss this fact as a “coincidence” caused by the construction materials. They can point out rooms built of stone as well as caves that create sound effects. However, there are a large number of technical features inside the Great Pyramid and around the King’s Chamber that enhance the sound effects. Was all this time and effort invested for no other reason than to build a great acoustic chamber for the pharaohs’ bodies?
Sir Flinders Petrie in his book (8) “The Pyramid and Temple of Gizeh” gives us some fascinating information in his description of the King’s Chamber and the Great Pyramid.
“On the E. and W. are two massive limestone walls lying entirely outside; and independent of; All granite floors and support blocks. Between these great walls all the rooms stood, unbound, and capable of freely giving way to settlement.”
“But the floor of the room is raised above the base of the wall; a special arrangement that must have some reason to exist.”
Lord Flinders Petrie said that the free-moving design of the King’s Chamber was due to be resolved. If we combine free movement with raised floors, the image of a room designed for free resonance begins to form. For the purposes of this article I must be brief. I can also talk in detail about the acoustic properties of the Grand Gallery leading to the King’s Chambers. Suffice it to say, measuring 8.6 meters (28 ft) high and 46.68 meters (153.1 ft) long, it acts as an amplifier leading into the King’s Chamber. Footsteps can be heard on the metal steps at the end of the Grand Gallery in the King’s Chambers. An amazing feature!
Crystal “temple” at Karnak
At Karnak Temple, which is often called the world’s largest temple, although a “temple city” might be more appropriate, is a little-known open-air museum. As you enter the main entrance at the left end of Karnak; once you step outside the main temple come back to yourself. You will see a ticket counter and a row of Sekmet/Mut statues. The additional ticket is a reasonable price and allows you to enter an area that is usually free of other tourists. When you look back, you will soon see a row of crystal “temples” as shown below.
Figure 5. Crystal ‘temple’ at Karnak (Author provided)
The main “temple” of interest for acoustic purposes is in the far back corner. These temples were rebuilt; They must have originally been solid crystals and must have had an amazing sound. Even today they have a remarkable sound and respond very well to human voices. For anyone interested in crystals, the opportunity to stand inside what we might call a “crystal room” albeit with open ends, is very exciting. Crystal bowls are used as part of sound therapy at yoga centers around the world. There is a good reason for this, the vibrations from the crystal bowl can penetrate inside the body. I would argue, in a similar way to this crystal temple.
Effects of sound frequencies on the body
For the purposes of this article, I won’t go into any length. My main aim in writing about archaeological sound and acoustics is to encourage others to get involved. This is my favorite subject, I love to experience the sound to enhance its emotions. Sharing something so meaningful is a real joy, watching others experience the same sites and frequencies as I do, is heartwarming. Part of the reason I love this whole area is because people are aware of how music can affect their emotions. Some music can make us upset or angry, other music can make us cry, with a wide range of emotions aroused in between the two extremes.
Sound therapy builds on this. I recommend reading this article based on research conducted at UCLA: “Ancient Architectural Acoustic Resonance Patterns and Regional Brain Activity”.
This article illustrates how certain sound frequencies in the 110hz range alter brain waves and stimulate different areas of the brain. I could write at length about the fascinating experiences I have had in ancient sites. This includes responses from groups of people aged 20-80 around the world. Suffice it to say, sound therapy is a personal experience and can help each of us in different ways. If I’ve piqued your interest, I recommend checking out the Meetup website for local events or reaching out to local yoga studios. Sound therapy is a rapidly growing field in the West, having been used for thousands of years in the East. In my opinion, sound therapy is a wonderful tool for emotional healing, a subject we seem to have very little understanding of in the West. Give yourself a chance to try it, you may be surprised with the positive results.
Miriam Kolar at Stanford kindly provided me with this quote.
“The necessity of visiting the site in person to understand its specific resonances (both acoustic and personal). Perhaps learning about an archaeological site can be part of a personal journey of inquiry. Knowing takes many different forms and has different meanings depending on the context. What we know from an archaeological perspective is largely based on the description of the material evidence (about something about which we can only speculate, despite providing well-founded explanations).”
Copyright © 2015 Gary Evans
Top photo: The theater in Aspendos, Türkiye is famous for its excellent sound system. Even the slightest sound produced in the center of the orchestra can easily be heard in the galleries above. This is the best preserved and most complete example of a Roman theater. ( CC BY SA 3.0 )
