Newly discovered handprints in a limestone cave on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, are now recognized as the oldest known example of rock art, dating back at least 67,800 years. The finding pushes back the timeline of human artistic expression and offers new insights into early human migration patterns.
Evidence of Early Sea Travel
The discovery provides direct evidence that humans were intentionally traversing the seas nearly 70,000 years ago, traveling from the Asian continent through the Indo-Pacific region – known as Wallacea – and onward to Australia and beyond. Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a researcher at the BRIN Research Center for Archaeometry, stated the art is at least 16,600 years older than previously discovered rock art on Muna Island.
This latest find also predates the previously recognized oldest cave art – handprints from Spain – by 1,100 years, and is 22,200 years older than a depiction of a Sulawesi warty pig discovered in 2021. Researchers used the laser-ablation uranium-series (LA-U-series) dating technique on microscopic calcite layers covering the paintings to determine their age.
Indonesia: A Hub for Early Human Art
The accumulation of these discoveries elevates Indonesia to a central location in the early history of symbolic art and modern human sea exploration. The research confirms that Wallacea wasn’t simply a pathway to Australia, but a significant habitat for early modern humans. It also supports the existing theory that humans reached the Sahul landmass (Australia–Papua) at least 65,000 years ago.
“It is very likely that the creators of these paintings were part of a population that later spread further east and eventually reached Australia,” Oktaviana said. “This research provides the oldest direct evidence of modern humans on the northern migration route to Sahul, which involved sea exploration between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Papua—an area that remains relatively unexplored archaeologically.”
Professor Adam Brumm from the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution (ARCHE), Griffith University, noted the unique characteristics of the handprints on Muna Island, including modifications that resemble claws. While the symbolic meaning remains speculative, Brumm suggests the art may reflect a close relationship between humans and animals, a theme also present in other early Sulawesi paintings.
What Might Happen Next?
Further archaeological investigation of the relatively unexplored areas between Kalimantan and Papua could reveal additional evidence of early human migration routes and artistic expression. Researchers may also focus on deciphering the symbolic meaning behind the unique “claw-like” handprints, potentially offering deeper insights into the cognitive abilities and beliefs of these early humans. Continued research and preservation efforts will be crucial to understanding this pivotal period in human history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the newly discovered handprints?
The handprints are at least 67,800 years old, making them the oldest known example of rock art.
Where were the handprints discovered?
The handprints were discovered in a limestone cave on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
What does this discovery tell us about early humans?
The discovery provides direct evidence that humans were intentionally crossing the sea nearly 70,000 years ago and that Wallacea was a major habitat for early modern humans.
What does it mean to you that humans were creating art so long ago, and what does that say about our species?
