The First Measure

  Music has been around for many years. It has shaped civilizations and caused movements among societies. It is one of the leading topics in the media even today. Music is an important part of society. But, enough of

today, lets go back in time a bit. Over the next few weeks, I will be exploring the origins of music, starting with Ancient Egypt, and ending with our society today. Now, I know you will be asking me, "But, Egypt isn't the beginning of society?" To answer your question, I know. It is not the beginning, but it is an early society that was very prominent for many, many years. It was one of the first societies to instill writing. Not only were they one of the first to instill writing, but they were are very religious society. Music, even today is in practically every religion. What do you hear when you walk past a church? Music. Music, to many is a way to communicate. Music has such importance, and that is why I chose the topic.


  Now, let's get to the real stuff.

  Music in Ancient Egypt was very prominent. Its origins can be dated back to The Old Kingdom which dated from around 3200-2300 B.C.E. Many paintings that are put on the walls of old Pharaohs (they technically weren't pharaohs yet, but we'll just call them that) had depictions of people clapping. Though many would say this is barely musical, it is. They are making music with their hands. Not only with their hands, but they would also make things called, 'clappers'. They were instruments that were made of ivory (during the pharaonic period, they began to design them and shape them into hands), as seen below.

Ancient Egyptian Ivory 'clappers'

  As time passed, it became much more prominent. Many paintings show lines of people playing harps, drums and such as they follow a funeral. The Ancient Egyptian funeral involved many musicians. As it would progress down the Nile, mourners, dancers and musicians would all be on the boat. Music was a very important part of their services.

A carving of a funeral boat

Not only was it very much a part of their funerals, it was in their religion as well. The Egyptians even had gods to music, Bes and Hathor. Bes was the dwarf god of music and warfare. Hathor was the goddess of love and music.
  Musicians had different statuses. Musicians in the temple, were often of much higher status than that of a musician hired to entertain. Musicians in the temple were often positions held by women, which is why paintings of musicians are often done of women.


  As I close my post about Ancient Egyptian music, I would just like to discuss the significance of it. It was used in religion, entertainment, and even funerals. It was a very integral part of society. We even see parallels between ancient society and modern society. A musician in Egypt had very high statuses. They were used in religious ceremonies and for plain entertainment as well. Today, in America, we see that musicians are considered gods among men. Everywhere you go, you will see pop stars on magazines, billboards, on television; they are everywhere.

Times Square, New York

  They effect the modern society greatly. For example, Michael Jackson. When he died there were many many people expressing their sorrow for the, "King of Pop". Even the title suggests a higher place in society! In the ancient times, I am uncertain, as to if they had this much importance in the culture, but I do know that they did have importance.
  As time goes on, societies change, they develop. I feel that part of societies drive, comes from music. Music, starting from the beginning. It shapes and molds the future, creating new social classes, getting people through rough times, and even changing the world.