Degradation of organic materials: Musical instruments and other objects related to music, such as drums, flutes, and rattles, are often made of organic materials that decompose over time. This makes it difficult to find and study these artifacts.
Cultural changes and migrations: As cultures evolve and migrate, their musical traditions also change. This makes it difficult to trace the development of music over time, especially when there is a lack of written records.
Limitations of archaeological evidence: Archaeological excavations can provide some insights into the musical practices of early cultures, such as the discovery of musical instruments or depictions of musicians in art. However, these findings may be fragmentary and may not provide a complete picture of their musical traditions.
Subjective interpretations: When interpreting archaeological evidence or historical accounts, researchers may make subjective judgments about the meaning and significance of these findings. This can lead to different interpretations and disagreements among scholars.
Secrecy and exclusivity: Some musical practices may have been kept secret or limited to certain groups of people within a society, making it difficult for outsiders to learn about them.