Where was the world's oldest rock art discovered by researchers?

The world's oldest known rock art, a hand stencil, was discovered in the Liang Metanduno cave on Indonesia's Muna island.

How old is the Indonesian hand stencil rock art?

The hand stencil in Indonesia is at least 67,800 years old, making it the oldest known example of rock art.

What is the significance of the Liang Metanduno cave art?

The Liang Metanduno cave art is significant because it represents the oldest rock art globally and provides evidence for early human migration routes towards Australia.

Home / Science / World's Oldest Art: Indonesian Cave Stencil Rewrites History

World's Oldest Art: Indonesian Cave Stencil Rewrites History

21 Jan

•

Summary

Oldest known rock art is a 67,800-year-old hand stencil in Indonesia.
Artwork suggests early human migration to Australia.
Image style is unique to Sulawesi, possibly transformed into a claw.

World's Oldest Art: Indonesian Cave Stencil Rewrites History

A reddish-colored hand stencil discovered in the Liang Metanduno cave on Indonesia's Muna island has been identified as the world's oldest known example of rock art, dating back at least 67,800 years. This ancient artwork, created by early humans migrating from mainland Asia, showcases advanced creativity and may offer insights into the initial settlement of Australia.

The style of the hand stencil is distinctive, with deliberately reshaped finger tips appearing pointed, leading researchers to believe it might have been transformed into an animal claw. This unique artistic expression, predating cave art found in Spain and other Indonesian sites, suggests a deeper cultural or symbolic meaning, potentially related to the ancient peoples' connection with the animal kingdom.