Posted on 04/07/2005 1:03:17 AM PDT by nickcarraway
BEIJING, April 5 -- Chinese archaeologists have unearthed hundreds of ancient musical instruments from the tombs of Yue State noblemen in East China's Jiangsu Province. Among the discoveries are rare clay instruments called Fou. It was popular during China's Spring and Autumn Period, and the Warring States Period.
All together, about 500 musical instruments made from clay were unearthed from the tombs. Experts consider them outstanding in both quantity and quality.
This group of instruments has no documentation and scientists named them after their bell-like shape. Six snakes were carved into this one, called Juzuo, pedestals for pillars to hold percussion instruments. Two lizards crawled on the opposite edge of this jar, confirmed as Fou.
Zhang Min, director of Archeological Institute of Nanjing Museum, said: "It's the first time that we've confirmed the existence Fou, a clay musical instrument. It sounds like this... We are sure it's a musical instrument this time. In the past, we thought it's just a jar, or a basin made of clay. It's not just a basin, but a delicate musical instrument, with a beautiful sound."
Other instruments full of Southern Chinese flavor were also excavated. Experts say they provide precious information about the musical history of the region and the period.
ping
Too bad the music that comes from those instruments sound like Housecats Romancing...
Ping!
nickcarraway wrote:
ping
--> No you got the sound wrong, it goes more like:
DING DONG ! DING DONG! hehehehe
Morning bump.
Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on, off, or alter the "Gods, Graves, Glyphs" PING list --
Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
The GGG Digest -- Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)
According to the Vinaya or Buddhist Monastic Rule, an animal cannot become a monk. At one time, a Naga was so desirous of entering the Order that he assumed human form in order to be ordained.
" Shortly after, when asleep in his hut, the naga returned to the shape of a huge snake. The monk who shared the hut was somewhat alarmed when he woke up to see a great snake sleeping next to him! The Lord Buddha summoned the naga and told him he may not remain as a monk, at which the utterly disconsolate snake began to weep. The snake was given the Five Precepts as the means to attaining a human existence in his next life when he can then be a monk. Then out of compassion for the sad snake, the Lord Buddha said that from then on all candidates for the monkhood be called 'Naga' as a consolation. They are still called 'Naga' to this day."
:')
(In the interest of believability)
After a couple of beers, I play a mean air Fou.
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