Jann Huggins to give talk about Neanderthal Flute and Stradivarius Violin

The September meeting of the New Hanover Historians will feature popular educator Jann Huggins who will be presenting a talk on two remarkable instruments: “A Neanderthal Flute and the Stradivarius Violin.”

Huggins illustrated talk will first discuss the Neanderthal flute, possibly the world’s oldest known musical instrument. Found by archeologists in Slovenia, the flute is made from a cave bear femur with holes spaced and aligned to suggest a musical instrument.

Researchers working at this site have uncovered more than 600 archaeological items in at least ten levels including twenty hearths, the skeletal remains of cave bears. According to museum statements, the presumed flute has been associated with the end of the middle Pleistocene and Neanderthals about 40,000 years ago.

The other remarkable instruments in Huggin’s talk are the violins made by the Stradivari family during the 17th and 18th centuries. Does their remarkable sound come from the wood used to make them, the treatments applied to the wood, or the construction methods?

Janet Huggins is a lifelong music educator with numerous awards and a lengthy performance resume.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the restored Swamp Creek Schoolhouse, 3179 Reifsnyder Road, Gilbertsville (by the Swamp Creek Park).

Visitors welcome. Light refreshments and conversation to follow as usual.