Ancient cymbals discovered in Oman date back 4,000 years, according to new study

Archaeologists were confused by the strange pair of discs found in Oman. These items were only discovered to be a single instrument from 4,000 years ago.

Cymbals are dated until the 3rd millennium BC It was discovered on the site In modern-day Dawa in Oman it is located at the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia.

Scientists published their findings in an article titled “Dawa’s Bronze Age Cymbals: Omani’s Indus Music Tradition” in an ancient journal on April 8th.

The ancient settlement reveals the remains of a 1,800-year-old dog.

According to the article, historians discovered cymbals during the excavation of an ancient building in 2018. Cymbals date back from 2200 BC to 2200 BC to 2200 BC

The photos show that the sizes are the same as the same size. Neither appears to have surface damage, and the study authors say “Support[ed] An intentional and careful deposition idea. ”

Archaeologists discovered ancient cymbals in Oman. The results of the excavation survey have recently been published. (istock; y. al rahbi by Antiquity/cambridge.org)

“Both are circular, with an outer diameter of 138mm and an embossed middle (17mm deep, 76mm diameter), with holes that are 4.2mm diameter openings,” the journal article states.

“The cymbal walls are thin, with a thickness of 1.5-2mm and slightly increased at edges reaching 3mm.”

Archaeologists discover long-failed tombs of an unknown pharaoh in Egypt

Although well preserved, the cymbals have experienced some deterioration over thousands of years.

Greenish surface of cymbal Suggesting copper oxidation, archaeologists pointed out that it “corroded together.”

“For a thousand years buried in the ground, the cymbals corroded together,” the study said. “When I tried to separate the pair, I have two small pieces separated from one of the sides. One of these was submitted for chemical analysis using portable x-ray fluorescence.”

Cymbals may be used in ancient rituals. (Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

The author added his general knowledge Ancient instruments It is hampered by the “inadequate storage of perishable materials and the relative rarity of durable examples.”

The only ancient instruments still surviving tend to be made of metal and bone.

“These cymbals are the first kinds of cymbals discovered in a good archaeological context.”

“The copper-binding cymbals are one of the relatively rare instruments that have recovered from the Bronze Age context in the Near East,” the study states.

“These percussive instruments have been discovered as early as the 3rd millennium BC. In Mesopotamia Examples of Indus Valley and Levantin appear after the second millennium BC. ”

The figure shows the oxidation of copper on the surface of the cymbal. (Antiquity/Cambridge.org)

However, slight deterioration in the artifacts did not interfere with the experts’ excitement. Research author Khaled Douglas told Archeology Magazine.

“These cymbals are the first kind found in the excellent archaeological context of Oman, and are from particularly early contexts that question some assumptions. [about] Their origin and development,” the archaeologist said.

Click here to sign up for our Lifestyle Newsletter

Historians believe that cymbals were used in rituals, such as during the construction of temples.

However, the study warns that much information is not available at this point.

The cymbals are about 4,000 years old, but can be traced back to 4,200 years. (Antiquity/Cambridge.org via Y. Al Rahbi)

“Across the wider Near East, cymbals are consistently associated with ritual activities,” the study said.

“[P]Conclusion of further research is hypothesized that Darwasymbal represents similar connections between cults; Music and dance. ”

For more lifestyle articles, please visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

Archaeologists will continue their studies of artifacts to determine how they were used in social contexts.

“From their inception, cymbals appear to be linked to ritual activities and the discovery of the temple environment and pairs in Dawa… suggesting that music and instruments are important cultural elements of interregional contact and cooperation around the Arabian Gulf,” the journal article concludes.

Click here to get the Fox News app

The potentially multifaceted role of music in social and ritual life. Bronze Age Community It remains a question for future research. ”