In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, researchers have uncovered a cave painting in Indonesia that dates back at least 51,200 years, making it the oldest known piece of figurative art. This ancient painting, found in the Leang Tedongnge cave on the island of Sulawesi, surpasses the previous oldest known cave art by more than 5,000 years. The painting features a wild pig and three human-like figures, offering invaluable insights into the cognitive and artistic capabilities of early humans.
The discovery was made by a team of archaeologists led by Maxime Aubert, an associate professor at Griffith University in Australia, and his Indonesian colleague Basran Burhan. Their findings were published in the journal Science Advances on January 13, 2021. The artwork depicts a warty pig, a species indigenous to the region, alongside three human-like figures that appear to be interacting with the animal. This interaction suggests a narrative element in the artwork, highlighting the complexity and depth of early human expression.
The dating of the painting was achieved through uranium-series analysis of the calcium carbonate deposits, or cave popcorn, that had formed over the painting. This method provided a minimum age of 51,200 years, making it the oldest known figurative art created by humans. Previously, the oldest known cave art was a painting of a similar pig species found in the nearby Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4 cave, also in Sulawesi, which was dated to at least 45,500 years ago.
Maxime Aubert expressed his astonishment at the age of the painting, stating, “We were not expecting it to be so old. This finding changes our understanding of the development of human culture and artistic expression.” The discovery also suggests that the capacity for creating symbolic art was present in early human populations in Southeast Asia long before similar capabilities were evident in Europe.
The implications of this discovery are profound, as it sheds light on the early migration and cognitive development of Homo sapiens. It indicates that early humans in this region had the ability to create complex symbolic representations and narratives, challenging the Eurocentric view of prehistoric art development. This finding also suggests that similar undiscovered artworks may exist in other parts of the world, waiting to be uncovered.
The Leang Tedongnge cave is situated in a remote valley surrounded by limestone cliffs and is accessible only during the dry season. The local Bugis community, who were previously unaware of the painting’s significance, guided the researchers to the site. The painting’s remarkable state of preservation is attributed to the stable environment within the cave.
This discovery not only provides a glimpse into the lives and minds of our ancient ancestors but also underscores the importance of preserving such sites for future generations.
“It is crucial that we protect these sites.” “They are irreplaceable records of our past and hold the key to understanding the origins of human culture.”
said Basran Burhan
Further research and exploration are planned to uncover more about the context and meaning of the painting. The team hopes to find additional artworks in the region that could provide a broader understanding of the cultural and artistic practices of early humans.
This significant find, dating back 51,200 years, represents a monumental leap in our understanding of prehistoric art and human cognitive development. It highlights the universality of artistic expression and the fundamental role it has played in human history.
