Китайські керамічні мембранофони доби неоліту (IV-II тис. до н. е.)
Chinese ceramic membranophones of Neolithic period (4,000-2,000 BC)

Summary/Abstract: Purpose of the article. This article examines the understudied Neolithic ceramic membranophones discovered in archaeological excavations within China. The paper’s objective is to introduce into the scientific circulation the new archaeological materials unknown for musicologists, perform comparative analysis and classification of ceramic membranophones, and identify regional differences in their shapes and significance for the ancient Chinese’s ceremonial and ritual practices. Methodology. The article utilizes the system research methodology and methods, which combine musical archaeology techniques with organological research methods. Scientific novelty involves making an attempt to systematize the forms and types of ceramic membranophones (kettle-drums, drums), their local-regional differences, and applications. According to the International Classification of musical instruments the Neolithic membranophones are divided into two types – kettle-drums and single-membrane drums. The main areas of these instruments discovery are concentrated along the Huang He River. They are divided into three areas of distribution by the location, type, and body forms – eastern, central, and western. They are being found not only in the villages, but among the valuable burial auxiliaries as well. This confirms the significance attributed to the instruments in the Chinese Neolithic society. Conclusions. The comparative analysis of forms and classification of Neolithic ceramic drums (IV-II millennium B.C.) allowed defining their differences within the existence of the individual local-regional archaeological cultures and their functions in the rituals and ceremonies, reconstructed based on the ancient written sources.

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