This 9,000-year-old flute reveals prehistoric musical genius. | Ancient Revealed

Discovered in 1995, a Neanderthal-made flute from a cave bear’s bone changed history. Estimated at 50,000–60,000 years old, it can still produce diatonic notes, proving that Neanderthals had a deep sense of art and culture. It now rests in Slovenia’s National Museum. | History Untold

At least 50,000 years old, the Divje Babe flute is attributed to the Middle Paleolithic period and was discovered in 1995 at the Divje Babe I cave near Cerkno, Slovenia. Made from the femur of a cave bear cub, it measures 11.2 cm (4.4 in) and is pierced by a series of holes arranged in a line. The artifact has been interpreted by some researchers, including Ivan Turk and colleagues, as the world’s oldest known musical instrument, having possibly been made by Neanderthals. According to the Nation