Marquis Yi of Zeng Bells

Graeme Lawson: Sound Tracks—The Archaeology of Music and Ancient Instruments

Earth AncientsOct 24, 2026

Archaeologist and musician Graeme Lawson discusses his book Soundtracks, which traces humanity's musical past through instruments recovered from caves, graves and tombs, from 40,000-year-old bone flutes to Chinese bronze bells. He explains how microscopic wear patterns, tuning evidence and replicas reveal how ancient people made and used music, including to alter mood and perception. Host Cliff also previews his own more speculative ideas about Maya archaeoacoustics, altered states of consciousness, and transoceanic migration.