«Early Sounds from Etruria: musical scenery between Villanovan (IX century – 720 B.C.) and Orientalizing (720 – 580 B.C.) ages»

Music in Etruria is a topic widely discussed mainly as regards the Archaic period. In this period there are many evidences, from both the material culture and literary sources. The matter has blurred outlines for earlier ages: Villanovan and Orientalizing. Although the number of documents currently available is limited, percussion instruments are known during the Villanovan, mainly from graves, connected to the female sphere. During the Orientalizing period the scenery becomes more diversified with the occurrence of wind and stringed instruments. This variety indicates a progressive specialisation in the character of both music and rituals, which points to a more complex structure of the Etruscan society.