Exploring ancient sounds and places: The challenges of hearing intangible heritage in the past

Abstract

This introductory chapter explores the diverse ways in which sound can be integrated into archaeology. Three major perspectives are presented: the first focuses on objects that produce sound, including musical instruments, sound-producing objects, and geophonies in natural soundscapes. The second block examines the contexts in which sound is transmitted and heard, such as enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, urban environments, and landscapes. The final section investigates the functions and uses of sound. Examples of all three ways of studying sound in archaeology are found in the chapters of this book. This interdisciplinary volume presents a collection of essays that illuminate the sonorous dimensions of the past, highlighting how sound has influenced cognitive, cultural and spiritual aspects of human societies across different periods and locations. A general overview of the book is provided in the last section of the chapter.