Sulawesi Hand Stencil Becomes Oldest Known Rock Art

A hand stencil discovered in a limestone cave in Indonesia has been dated to at least 67,800 years ago, making it the oldest known example of rock art identified so far. The finding from southeastern Sulawesi significantly extends the timeline of symbolic expression in Southeast Asia and strengthens evidence of early human cultural complexity in the region.

Discovery in Liang Metanduno Cave

The artwork was found in Liang Metanduno cave on Muna Island, off the coast of Sulawesi. The site lies in southeastern Sulawesi, an area that has received comparatively less archaeological attention than the well-known Maros–Pangkep karst region in the southwest.

Researchers documented 44 rock art sites during recent fieldwork in the region. Eleven motifs from eight sites were directly dated. These included seven hand stencils as well as figurative and geometric paintings. The newly dated stencil now predates earlier minimum ages recorded from Maros–Pangkep by more than 16,000 years.

Uranium Series Dating Method

Scientists used uranium series dating to establish the age of the stencil. Thin calcite deposits had formed naturally over the painted surface. By analysing the radioactive decay within these calcium carbonate layers using laser ablation techniques, researchers determined an age of around 71,600 years for the mineral crust.

Since the crust formed after the painting, it provides a firm minimum age of 67,800 years for the artwork beneath. In some cases, carbonate layers beneath the pigment were also analysed, helping to narrow the possible time window for creation. Evidence suggests artistic activity in the cave continued until roughly 20,000 years ago.

Implications for Human Migration

The discovery has wider implications for understanding early human migration. During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels connected Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania into a single landmass known as Sahul. Scholars have debated whether humans reached this region around 50,000 years ago or as early as 65,000 years ago.

The Sulawesi finding supports the earlier timeline. It indicates that communities with established symbolic traditions were present in Wallacea before or during the initial peopling of Sahul. Southeastern Sulawesi sits along likely maritime routes used by early seafarers moving between Borneo and Papua.

Important Facts for Exams

• Wallacea refers to island chains between mainland Southeast Asia and Sahul.
• Uranium series dating is commonly used to date calcium carbonate formations in caves.
• The Pleistocene epoch lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.
• Sahul comprised present-day Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania during lower sea levels.

Unique Claw-Like Motif

The hand stencil displays a distinctive feature. After creating the negative outline, the artist deliberately narrowed the finger shapes, producing a claw-like appearance. This variation is rare in global rock art records.

Researchers suggest it may reflect symbolic ideas linking humans and animals, themes also visible in other early Sulawesi imagery. While its precise meaning remains uncertain, the stencil stands as a striking testament to the depth of human creativity nearly 70,000 years ago.