Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known cave painting in the limestone caves of Leang Karampuang, located in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The ancient artwork, depicting three human figures interacting with a wild boar, is estimated to be around 51,200 years old, making it the oldest recorded example of cave art.
The finding is the result of a collaborative study by researchers from Griffith University, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Southern Cross University. The study, published in the journal Nature, solidifies Indonesia’s significance in the history of early human art.
New Dating Technology
According to Teropong Media, to accurately determine the age of the painting, researchers used a cutting-edge technique called laser ablation uranium-series (LA-U-series) dating. Unlike conventional methods that require chemical extraction—often damaging the artwork—this non-invasive technique allows for precise dating by analyzing thin layers of calcium carbonate that have formed over the paintings.
The method was developed by Professor Maxime Aubert from Griffith University’s Centre for Social and Cultural Research and Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau from the Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry Research Group. Their analysis provided a clearer picture of when early humans in Sulawesi created these artworks.
Older Than European Cave Art
Analysis revealed that the painting in Leang Karampuang, now dated at 51,200 years old, predates the oldest known European cave art, which is estimated to be around 40,000 years old. Another cave painting at Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4, previously thought to be 44,000 years old, is actually 48,000 years old—4,000 years older than earlier estimates.
According to Kira Westaway, a researcher from Macquarie University in Australia, these advanced dating techniques offer a more accurate understanding of when early humans began creating symbolic art in Sulawesi.
A Major Discovery in Human History
The discovery suggests that prehistoric humans possessed complex symbolic communication much earlier than previously believed. Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a rock art expert from BRIN and a member of the research team, described the cave paintings as the earliest known evidence of human storytelling through imagery.
“This cave art demonstrates that prehistoric humans in Sulawesi were already using symbols and narrative storytelling long before similar art appeared in Europe,” Adhi said as reported by Teropong Media.
Beyond communication, the paintings also provide insights into the spiritual beliefs of early humans. Some sections of the cave feature hybrid figures with both human and animal characteristics, possibly reflecting spiritual or mythological concepts.
Professor Adam Brumm from Griffith University’s Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution emphasized that these depictions go beyond mere symbols. “They are part of a visual storytelling tradition that shows human interactions with their environment and other creatures,” Brumm explained.
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The artwork is believed to have been created by Homo sapiens, the species of modern humans who arrived in Australia around 60,000 to 65,000 years ago. Research indicates that they inhabited the Sulawesi region before producing these paintings.
Highlighting the finding, Professor Aubert emphasized that the ability of prehistoric humans to create narrative art suggests that visual storytelling dates back at least 51,200 years. “This discovery provides the oldest known evidence of humans telling stories through images,” he said.
(Raidi/Agung)
