Swedish rock art depictions of sound producing instruments - Potential bow instruments and musical Behaviors

Abstract

The Bronze Age lurs have been a central part of research in relation to the use of sound producing instruments and m usic in the Nordic Bronze Age, this also includes their occurrence at rock art sites. Over the years the focus on the Bronze Age lurs has caused a tendency to overlook other potential sound producing instruments. Therefore, the main goal for this research is to raise awareness of other instruments and musical behaviors. Are there other sound producing instruments depicted on rock art that have not been recognized? Potential bow instruments from Sweden will be presented and discussed. It is argued that there might be other sound producing instruments depicted on rock art, which have not yet been recognized. This might include bow instruments and other instruments. Musical behaviors can provide different aspects and views on the Bronze Age, and should therefore be seen as a highly important field of research.