A 67,800-year-old hand stencil discovered in a cave on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, is now recognized as the oldest known example of rock art. The finding pushes back the timeline of human artistic expression by at least 15,000 years, surpassing the age of a previously dated painting in the same region depicting human-like figures and a pig, which is thought to be 51,200 years old.
A New Understanding of Early Art
The discovery, made possible by Indonesian rock art specialist Adhi Oktaviana who noticed faint images in 2015, challenges long-held assumptions about the origins of art. For generations, researchers focused on Ice Age cave paintings in France and Spain, dating back 30,000 to 40,000 years, believing they represented the dawn of “true art” and “true modern human artistic culture.”
“I thought we were doing pretty well then, but this one image just completely blew that other one away,” said researcher Brumm. The new finding demonstrates that humans outside of Europe were creating “incredibly sophisticated” cave art tens of thousands of years earlier, “before our species ever even set foot in that part of the world.”
Ongoing Exploration
Researchers are hopeful that further exploration in and around Indonesia will reveal even older forms of art, potentially including examples of storytelling through imagery. Liang Metanduno, the cave site where the hand stencil was found, is already known for its cave art and is open to tourists, though much of the art currently visible depicts domesticated animals and is estimated to be around 4,000 years old.
The finding may also offer clues about the timeline of human arrival in Australia. While Aboriginal peoples are widely accepted to have inhabited Australia for at least 50,000 years, one archaeological site suggests a possible presence dating back 65,000 years. Brumm noted that the proximity of Sulawesi to Australia – described as being “on Australia’s doorstep” – makes it “considerably more likely that modern humans indeed were in Australia at least 65,000 years ago.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the hand stencil?
The hand stencil is the oldest known example of rock art, dating back 67,800 years. It demonstrates that humans were creating art much earlier and in different parts of the world than previously believed.
Where was the hand stencil discovered?
The hand stencil was discovered in a cave on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Could this discovery impact our understanding of early human migration?
Yes, the discovery may shed light on when the first humans arrived in Australia, as Sulawesi is located near Australia and the art suggests early human presence in the region.
What does this discovery tell us about the cognitive abilities of early humans?
