Musical instruments found in Uplistsikhe

Abstract

Uplistsikhe, an ancient rock-hewn city, is distinguished by its rich archaeological discoveries. This paper discusses the ancient musical instruments unearthed at Uplistsikhe, which serve as important evidence for the development of Georgia’s musical culture. Three types of instruments have been found: wind (flute), percussion (drum), and string (harp). In the cult building of the settlement of Qatlanikhevi, within a sanctuary associated with the cult of the Great Mother Nana, a flute made from a bird’s tubular bone was discovered, dated to the second half of the 2nd millennium BC. This ancient wind instrument, frequently encountered across Georgia, attests to the continuity of musical traditions in the region.

At the settlement of Bambebi, in a layer dated to the 7th–6th centuries BC., two terracotta figurines were uncovered: one depicting a musician playing a harp and wearing a mask with a cap-like headdress, and another showing a drummer. These figures are related to pagan ritual scenes and indicate a highly developed level of performative art.

The examined archaeological material suggests that wind, string, and percussion instruments existed in Georgia from ancient times. The musical instruments of Uplistsikhe confirm the significant role of music in ritual and cultic practices, pointing to the deep historical roots of Georgian musical traditions.