Archaeoacoustic Investigation of a Prehistoric Cave Site: Frequency-Dependent Sound Amplification and Potential Relevance for Neurotheology

Abstract

An archaeoacoustic study was recently conducted within the prehistoric cave system of El Castillo in northern Spain. With findings dating back at least 40800 years, archaeological studies of this cave have revealed the presence of prehistoric ritual activity associated with early shamanism. Simulated audio tones of varying frequencies were created and emitted from the location at which it is thought the shamans would conduct rituals within El Castillo, while the sound was simultaneously recorded from the likely location of potential observers or participants. Subsequent analysis identified a frequency-dependent amplification of recorded sound intensity for frequencies approaching the range of 100 Hz, with the greatest effect observed for 108 and 110 Hz. These results are markedly consistent with previous research of important or sacred sites which have shown significant sonic resonance features within this precise range of frequencies. Additional consideration is applied to the potential effects of 110 Hz physical stimuli on biological systems in the context of neurotheology and the associated biophysical analyses in order to demonstrate the potential importance of 110 Hz signals on religious experience and subjective states of consciousness.

An Essay on ‘Fracto-Resonant’ Nature of Life

“…In this regard, the psycho-acoustical investigations that aimed at understanding the direct influence of different frequency components on the brain activity (involving cognitive functions) and consciousness have also been carried out (Tufail et al, 2011;Raman et al, 2013;Fukushima et al, 2014;Han-Moi et al, 2014). Such findings help in crafting various desired/influential sound frequencies (that could eISSN 1303-5150 www.neuroquantology.com range over spectrum of frequencies below (infrasonic) and above (ultrasonic) the audible (sonic) range; 20Hz to 20,000Hz) for alternative healing purposes (Rakovic et al, 2004;Bharucha et al, 2006;Dossey, 2008;Huang, 2010;Gaona et al, 2014;Pereira, 2015b). This shows that consciousness is sensitive to certain frequencies or vibrations and understanding in depth as to how it is connected to such a frequency/sound at a fundamental level could give us an idea of its nature and other functional aspects.…”

“…In fact, the very words 'Universe' and 'Cosmos' are constructed based on this hypothesis; Universe ('Uni'-one or single, 'Verse'-song or melody), and Cosmos (Ordered and Harmonious universe). Following this, they looked on sound or vibration as a best healer and devised various techniques that involve using variety of sounds as healing and medical tools, the efficacy and impact of which modern science is slowly realizing (Rakovic et al, 2004;Pelling et al, 2004;Paliwal, 2005;Dossey, 2008;Bharucha et al, 2008;Lestard et al, 2013;Gaona et al, 2014;Pereira, 2015b).…”