Ancient cave art found on Indonesia’s Muna Island is believed to be the oldest in the world.

Recent archaeological discoveries in Indonesia reveal that handprints stencilled on limestone caves on Muna Island could be up to 67,800 years old, establishing them as the oldest known paintings in the world. This finding not only underscores Indonesia’s significant place in the narrative of human creativity and migration but also invites a deeper exploration of the cultural heritage and artistic achievements of ancient civilizations in the region, highlighting their intricate relationship with nature and symbolism.

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery on the Indonesian island of Muna, where they have identified handprints stencilled on limestone cave walls, dated to be as old as 67,800 years. This remarkable finding positions these artworks as the oldest known paintings globally. Researchers from Indonesia and Australia conducted the analysis, revealing that the tan-colored drawings were created by artists who blew pigment over their hands, which were pressed against the cave walls, leaving a distinct outline.

Adhi Agus Oktaviana, an archaeologist with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has been investigating hand stencils in the Muna region since 2015. His research led to the discovery of these ancient handprints, located beneath more recent cave paintings that depict a person riding a horse alongside a chicken. Initially met with skepticism from his colleagues, Oktaviana pointed to areas where the shapes appeared to have human fingers, leading to the confirmation of their authenticity.

Maxime Aubert, an archaeological science specialist from Griffith University in Australia and co-author of the study published in the journal Nature, emphasized the uniqueness of these handprints, noting that they represent a distinct style found only in Sulawesi. Some fingertips had been reshaped to appear more pointed, indicating a potential cultural significance behind the style.

Adam Brumm, another archaeologist involved in the research, suggested that the individuals creating these hand stencils may have aimed to evoke a different imagery, perhaps resembling animal claws rather than human hands. This observation raises intriguing questions about the cultural symbolism associated with these ancient artworks, hinting at a complex relationship between early humans and the animal world.

To establish the paintings’ minimum age, researchers utilized a method involving the analysis of uranium found in mineral layers formed over the pigment. By taking precise samples of calcite from the cave walls and analyzing the decay of uranium, scientists were able to ascertain a reliable timeframe for the artwork’s creation.

The findings also indicate that the Muna caves have served as a site for rock art for thousands of years, with some pieces painted over even 35,000 years later. Notably, this discovery predates previous art unearthed in the Sulawesi region by over 15,000 years, providing valuable insight into the timeline of human artistic expression in the area.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond the caves themselves. It supports the theory of early human migration through Sulawesi, suggesting that our ancestors were not only skilled navigators but also talented artists. The rich cultural heritage of the region, shared with neighboring East Timor and Australia, is further underscored by the continuous presence of ancient art forms, exemplifying the enduring legacy of creativity that has characterized human history.

Aboriginal cultures in Australia, recognized for their deep historical roots with archaeological evidence extending back at least 60,000 years, add another layer to this narrative. Recently, UNESCO added approximately one million petroglyphs from Murujuga, Australia, to its World Heritage list, many of which may date back as far as 50,000 years. Together, these findings highlight the vital role of art in understanding humanity’s past and encourage a renewed appreciation of the cultural narratives that have shaped the region.

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