A Comparison of the Medieval White Castle Flute with the Chalcolithic Example of Veyreau
1989 ◽
Vol 55
(1)
◽
pp. 257-260
The clearance of White Castle, Gwent, in the late 1920s led to the discovery of an end-blown flute or flageolet in the moat (Megaw 1961). This was a metatarsal of red deer, pierced by five regularly spaced finger-holes, two rear thumb-holes, a sound and suspension-hole (pl. 35 a, b). Its association with medieval pottery suggested a 13th-century date which was supported by its scratch and dot engraving reminiscent of medieval examples from Bornholm and Wartburg (fig. 2). Megaw considered it to be one in a long tradition of block and duct flutes dating as far back as Avebury (1500 BC) and Malham Tarn (Iron Age).