Researchers have identified a 67,800-year-old hand stencil in an Indonesian cave as the oldest known rock art in the world. The discovery, made in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna Island, Sulawesi, provides new insights into early human creativity and migration patterns.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The reddish handprint, created by blowing pigment over a hand pressed against the cave wall, was dated using uranium analysis of mineral layers. The art is distinctive for its pointed fingertips, a style unique to Sulawesi. The findings were published in the journal Nature by a team of Indonesian and Australian archaeologists.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Discovery
The handprint was found in a limestone cave called Liang Metanduno, a largely unexplored area. Researchers believe the art was made by early humans who migrated from mainland Asia to Indonesia and possibly continued to Australia. The technique of retouching fingertips to resemble claws suggests a deeper cultural or symbolic meaning, though its exact purpose remains unknown.
Scientific Significance
Independent paleoanthropologist Genevieve von Petzinger expressed excitement about the discovery, stating it aligns with theories about early human artistic expression. Maxime Aubert, a specialist in archaeological science at Griffith University, noted the uniqueness of the Sulawesi style, which has not been found elsewhere.
Broader Implications
The discovery sheds light on the artistic capabilities of early humans and their migration patterns. It supports the idea that humans were creating symbolic art as they spread across the globe, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of such cultural expressions. The research team plans to continue exploring the region for additional evidence of early human activity.