History of the Flute
The flute is the oldest known form of musical instrument. Originally they were carved from the tusk of a mammoth or the lighter bones of swans or cranes. Incidentally, the Latin word ‘tibia’ means ‘shin’ and also ‘wind instrument’. The oldest known flutes were found in caves in the Germany region of Europe. No one is sure how these oldest of flutes were played because usually only parts of them are found. Many relief carvings and cave drawings show them played to the left.
