Esperienza sonora e performances musicali nel rituale funerario

The study of funerary rituals in ancient societies has been profoundly renewed thanks to new archaeological discoveries as well to new approaches related to performance. Within this context, the evidence offered by material culture should play a critical role in improving our knowledge of music, sounds, body movements, and dance, all of which constituted an important aspect of ceremonies in funerary contexts. Considering funerary rituals in the ancient world, this paper aims to explore material evidence related to musical performances, sounds, and rhythmical movements, and highlight the contribution of this evidence to a deeper understanding of the cultural, sensorial, and social meanings and functions of these performances, by reconstructing the many different ways, spaces, and contexts in which they were experienced.