Scientists Discovered the World’s Oldest Cave Painting in Indonesia

FILE - Researchers from Indonesia's National Research Centre for Archaeology and Griffith University, work in a limestone cave in South Sulawesi, Indonesia December 4, 2019. (Courtesy of Indonesia's National Research Centre for Archaeology/Griffith University via REUTERS)

On the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery: the world’s oldest known cave painting. The painting, located in Leang Karampuang cave, is at least 51,200 years old, as determined by a new laser dating method on calcium carbonate crystals covering the artwork. The dark red painting depicts a pig, accompanied by three human-like figures, suggesting early storytelling in art.

Maxime Aubert, an archaeologist at Griffith University, co-led the study published in Nature. He emphasized that the new dating technique offers a significant advancement over previous methods. Another co-leader, Adam Brumm, highlighted the dynamic interaction between the figures, indicating an ancient narrative.

A painting created at least 51,200 years ago in the limestone cave of Leang Karampuang in the Maros-Pangkep region of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. (BRIN/Handout via REUTERS)

In addition, another cave painting in Leang Bulu' Sipong 4, also dated using the laser method, shows part-human, part-animal figures hunting. These discoveries push back the timeline of human artistic expression and storytelling, challenging the long-held belief that Europe was the birthplace of cave art.

The Sulawesi paintings, which might be older than the dates currently determined, showcase the sophisticated cognitive abilities of early humans. This revelation reshapes our understanding of the origins of human creativity and cultural development.

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Source: Reuters Report and VOA Learning English

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