51,200 Years Old Figurative Cave Art Found on Sulawesi Island of Indonesia
In a groundbreaking discovery, Australian and Indonesian scientists have unearthed the oldest known example of figurative cave art on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi. This ancient artwork, dating back at least 51,200 years, predates all previously discovered cave art by more than 5,000 years, reshaping our understanding of early human creativity and storytelling. The cave painting, located in the limestone cave of Leang Karampuang in South Sulawesi's Maros-Pangkep region, depicts a scene featuring a wild pig alongside three human-like figures. The largest human figure appears to be holding a rod, while another figure stands in front of the pig, possibly interacting with it using a stick. The third figure, depicted upside-down with splayed legs, reaches towards the pig's head, suggesting a complex narrative or symbolic interaction. Professor Maxime Aubert from Griffith University describes the significance of this discovery in terms of human cognitive development....
