Interpretations of early music and performance involve not only finding archaeological evidence but also looking into living traditions and a systematic enquiry into the production of sound. This panel focuses on all aspects of identification of past music and performance practice in the Indo-Pacific, building on prevailing concepts and trends in the fields of Archaeology, Heritage and History, and Music and Performance Studies. It aims to place current research in the region with the context of the wider global literature. Topics include historical documents, finds and various representations of musical instruments in the region, as well as interpretations of prehistory based on synchronic ethnography. The session is also open to investigations of cultural performances in history, such as dance, theatre, and vocal music.