Across Central Asia there are numerous archaeological monuments and sites. The most evocative ones are areas covered in prehistoric images that are carved into natural stone surfaces – rock art. Rock art is one of the most elemental forms of visual art and these images are placed in special areas among rocky cliffs and at the top of mountains by ancient artists. During this talk we will take you on a journey through the steppes and mountains of Kazakhstan not only in search of these ancient images, but also to provide a poignant introduction to this fascinating land and its peoples.

Kenneth Lymer is a graphic artist and archaeologist who has participated on several excavations in the UK and Sweden as well as across Western Siberia. For his doctoral research he travelled across the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan searching for rock art. After the completion of his thesis at the Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton, Kenneth joined the Museum of London Archaeology Service where he currently works as a designer and illustrator.

The talk will be preceded by middle eastern inspired Medieval Music played on an array of exotic instruments including: Hurdy Gurdy, English Bagpipes, Pipe and Salterio Gothic Harp and Recorders by recent newcomers to South Zeal, Steve Tyler and Katy Marchant