An international research team has identified a hand stencil in Indonesia as the oldest known rock art on Earth. The artwork dates back at least 67,800 years and was discovered in limestone caves on the island of Sulawesi. This finding surpasses previous records by 15,000 years and clarifies early human migration patterns significantly. The discovery was published in the journal Nature by scientists from multiple institutions. The team determined the age using advanced dating techniques on mineral layers.
Scientists used uranium-series dating to examine mineral layers formed over and beneath the painting in Liang Metanduno cave. The hand stencil appears partially modified with narrowed fingers creating a claw-like appearance after its initial creation. Researchers note this specific variation distinguishes the piece from other common motifs in the region. This technique allowed them to establish when the paintings were created with high precision. Tiny mineral layers provided a reliable timeline for the artwork's creation.
Artistic activity in the cave spanned at least 35,000 years, continuing until around 20,000 years ago. This longevity suggests a sustained cultural tradition rather than a singular event or temporary occupation. The team included members from Griffith University, Indonesia's BRIN, and Southern Cross University. Such collaboration highlights the global nature of modern archaeological research efforts. This cross-border cooperation facilitates the sharing of critical data and resources.
Professor Maxime Aubert stated that Sulawesi hosted one of the world's richest artistic cultures from the earliest history of human occupation. He emphasized the significance of the origins dating back to at least 67,800 years ago. This timeline challenges previous assumptions about the development of symbolic behavior in early humans. His comments came from the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research. He noted that the culture originated in the earliest history of human occupation.
Professor Adam Brumm suggested the art might symbolize a connection between humans and animals. He noted that early Sulawesi paintings include scenes interpreted as part-human, part-animal beings. The meaning behind the finger alteration remains uncertain according to the study. He leads the Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution at Griffith University. This interpretation aligns with other early painted art found in the same region.
Dr. Adhi Agus Oktaviana linked the discovery to the deep history of Australian Aboriginal culture. He stated it is very likely the painters were part of the population that spread to Australia. This supports the long chronology of human arrival on the ancient landmass known as Sahul. His doctoral research at Griffith University contributed significantly to the study. He is a rock art specialist at BRIN and a team leader for the project.
Archaeologists have debated whether humans arrived on Sahul around 50,000 or 65,000 years ago. This discovery strongly supports the idea that ancestors of First Australians were in Sahul by 65,000 years ago. The evidence provides a concrete anchor for migration theories that have been contested for years. Some researchers previously favored a shorter timeline for human movement into the region. The new data resolves a significant portion of this long-standing academic debate.
Scientists propose two main pathways into Sahul involving northern or southern routes. Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau said the new evidence strengthens the case for the northern migration corridor. This route passes through Sulawesi and the Spice Islands toward New Guinea. He is part of the Geoarchaeology and Archaeometry Research Group at Southern Cross University. The northern route offers the oldest direct evidence for modern human presence.
Professor Aubert underscored the archaeological importance of Indonesian islands between Sulawesi and westernmost New Guinea. Funding from the Australian Research Council supports ongoing work to uncover more evidence along this route. Additional support came from Google Arts & Culture and the National Geographic Society. These initiatives aim to expand knowledge of human evolution and protect cultural heritage. Funding ensures the protection of these significant cultural sites for future generations. This financial backing allows for sustained research across multiple decades.
The study was published in Nature and featured in a documentary produced by ARTE. Researchers continue working to expand knowledge of human evolution and protect cultural heritage. Future expeditions will focus on the many other Indonesian islands in the region. The ARC Centre of Excellence for Transforming Human Origins Research leads this broader effort. This effort includes training centers for advancing archaeology in the resources sector. Ongoing projects will investigate the remaining unexplored cave systems in the area.
