April, your question sounds intriguing. In what context did you recover this mouthpiece? Back in my collegiate days of music history, I remember learning that in some instances a tavern might have their own set of musical instruments (more in the old world, I think), although for something like a penny whistle or recorder an individual might own one also. Regardless, I would think that such instruments would not be casually discarded, since not everyone can make another one. I am really interested to hear what others are saying about this! 

-Beth Hoag MA, RPA
Adjunct Faculty, Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland OH




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From: April M. Beisaw <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Sun, January 31, 2010 8:08:26 PM
Subject: Musical Instruments in Tavern Assemblages

Histarchers,

I am looking for information on musical instruments (or pieces thereof) that have been recovered from excavations of tavern sites. I have a carved mammal bone mouthpiece to a wind instrument and am trying to ascertain how unusual it is to recover instruments from sites where music may have been a relatively common form of entertainment.

Thanks for your help.

-April

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April M. Beisaw, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Heidelberg University
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