A Historic Breakthrough in Sulawesi’s Caves (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Muna Island, Indonesia – Archaeologists have identified the world’s oldest known rock art deep within a cave system off the coast of Sulawesi.[1]
A Historic Breakthrough in Sulawesi’s Caves
Researchers stumbled upon the faded hand stencils during systematic surveys of remote cave sites. The markings, preserved on cavern walls, immediately stood out for their potential age. Teams from Indonesian and Australian institutions collaborated to document and analyze the finds.[1]
Lead author Adhi Agus Oktaviana from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency spearheaded the effort. His team worked alongside experts from Griffith University and Southern Cross University. The discovery pushes back the timeline for symbolic human expression by tens of thousands of years. Art production in this cave continued sporadically until about 20,000 years ago, indicating a long tradition.[1]
Unveiling the Age Through Cutting-Edge Science
Scientists applied uranium-series dating to tiny calcium carbonate deposits that had formed over the pigments. This method provided precise minimum ages for the art. The oldest stencil, labeled LMET2, clocked in at 67,800 years old. A nearby marking, LMET1, dated to 60,900 years.[1]
These results surpassed previous records from Sulawesi and other Indonesian sites, which ranged from 17,000 to 51,000 years old. The technique’s reliability stems from measuring uranium decay in the carbonate layers. No contamination issues undermined the findings. The study appeared in the journal Nature on January 21, 2026.[1]
Decoding the Claw-Like Hand Stencils
The artwork features a hand stencil created by pressing a pigment-coated palm against the rock. Faint orange traces outline fingers and palm, with one digit intentionally narrowed to resemble a claw. This modification hints at early symbolic thinking linking humans and animals.[1]
Such therianthropic elements appear in later Sulawesi art, portraying part-human, part-beast figures. Adam Brumm of Griffith University noted, “This art could symbolize the idea that humans and animals were closely connected.” The stencil sits between younger but still ancient motifs. Its faded state underscores the passage of millennia.[1]
Insights into Early Human Journeys
The art offers direct evidence of Homo sapiens presence in the region over 67,000 years ago. It bolsters theories of a northern migration route to Sahul, the ancient landmass of Australia and New Guinea. Sea levels were lower then, aiding island-hopping voyages.[1]
Renaud Joannes-Boyau from Southern Cross University stated, “With the dating of this extremely ancient rock art in Sulawesi, we now have the oldest direct evidence for the presence of modern humans along this northern migration corridor into Sahul.”[1]
Maxime Aubert added, “Sulawesi was home to one of the world’s richest and most longstanding artistic cultures, one with origins in the earliest history of human occupation of the island at least 67,800 years ago.”[1]
- Northern route: Via Sulawesi and Maluku islands toward New Guinea.
- Southern route: Through Timor and nearby isles.
- Arrival in Sahul: Supported by 65,000 years ago.
- Artistic continuity: From 67,800 to 20,000 years ago.
- Symbolic complexity: Claw-like features suggest advanced cognition.
Key Takeaways
- The 67,800-year-old stencil redefines the origins of figurative art.
- It confirms early modern humans navigated challenging sea crossings.
- Sulawesi emerges as a cradle of enduring artistic traditions.
This find not only rewrites the story of human creativity but also illuminates the daring migrations that shaped our species. As evidence mounts, the islands of Indonesia reveal themselves as pivotal waypoints in prehistory. What do you think this says about the roots of human imagination? Tell us in the comments.[1]
