| Abstract: |
Apart from the fact that basic pattern of most traditional musical instruments throughout Southeast Asia apparently are sharing some prehistoric pan-Asian origin there is still a number of questions concerning the earliest periods of their invention and an explanation of their significant geographical distribution patterns in the course of time. Among them of special concern are distinct types of vertical or traversal flutes, pan flutes and vessel flutes, wooden trumpets, slit drums and hour glass drums, jaw harps and the so-called musical bow. Since there are numerous cases of the same basic types of musical instruments which are also common in various regions of New Guinea their distinct geographical distributions patterns may provide useful indications concerning either autochthonic invention versus the one or other possible Southeast Asian origin. In addition to the distribution routes of ceramics and a number of other cultural features these may contribute to a plausible reconstruction of additional prehistoric links between mainland and insular Southeast Asia.
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