changing the sound.However,it could be combined successfully with
partial or complete closure of the end of the flute.
The most common method of changing the sound with wind instru-
ments is apparent shortening of their length with the aid of holes.One
can achieve fairly pure and exact changes of pitch (jumps) with holes.In
general,it is true that the appearance of holes represents a somewhat
higher level of development of wind instruments,since it increases their
expressive power.
The bone find has at least two indisputable holes.We made two or
three holes on the various reconstructions and tested their effect on
changing the sound (we have not yet tested the effect of the possible
thumb hole).The number and probability of individual holes are not
satisfactorily clarified from an archeological point of view,so we can
assume only two holes with certainty.
Figures 15.12,15.13,and 15.14 show the measured tones we obtained
with various combinations of closing and opening the holes of individ-
ual reconstructions.For each combination,empty notes mark the limit
values of the continuous range of tone we obtained with the same grip260 Drago Kunej and Ivan Turk
Figure 15.12
Obtained tones from fossil reconstruction of the bone flute with various combinations of
open and closed holes.The flute was blown as a notched flute.Fig.15.12