In Indonesia, archaeologists have found the oldest samples of rock art, which are now considered the oldest known to science. This discovery allows for a better understanding of how ancient humans spread across Southeast Asia, according to a study published in the journal Nature.
Previously, the oldest known rock art samples were believed to be located in the south of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and the eastern part of Borneo. However, the southeastern part of Sulawesi, where the first samples were found as early as 1977, remained unexplored for a long time.
A team led by Maxime Aubert from the University of Brisbane (Australia) studied this region and found 14 new archaeological sites with rock art samples that were previously unknown. Among them are colored handprints and human figures found in karst caves on Muna Island.
To determine the age of the drawings, scientists used radioisotope analysis of mineral deposits that partially covered the images over tens of thousands of years. As a result, a minimum age of 67,800 years was confirmed, making these drawings the oldest known to date.
The study showed that the cave was used for painting for at least 35,000 years, and 20,000 years ago it was already actively in use. This indicates that Sulawesi Island was the center of one of the richest and longest-lasting artistic cultures in ancient human history.
Furthermore, scientists observed that the handprints were deliberately altered, with fingers compressed to resemble claws. This might have symbolized a connection between humans and animals — a similar phenomenon has been noted in earlier drawings on Sulawesi, including depictions of a creature that is partly human, partly animal.
The discovery also clarifies when humans first settled the prehistoric continent of Sahul (present-day Australia, New Guinea, Tasmania). It supports the view that the ancestors of the first Australians were already in Sahul 65,000 years ago.
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