٠٠:٠٤:٥٦The oldest example of figurative cave art has been discovered in the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, as footage filmed on Friday shows.
Australian and Indonesian scientists collaborated to uncover a masterpiece dating back 51,200 years, shedding light on ancient human creativity and storytelling prowess.
The mesmerising mural features a depiction of a wild pig and three human-like figures engaged in a hunting scene, showcasing early human-animal relationships. Among the figures, one poised to strike the pig with a spear highlights our ancestors' imaginative storytelling abilities.
Lead researcher Budianto Hakim from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) praised the discovery, stating, "If we talk about the tradition of storytelling, the evidence is here. So this shows that our ancestors were intelligent ancestors who lived in Maros,"
Beyond the narrative painting, ancient images of anoa pigs and palm trees adorned the cave walls, reflecting the close connection between early humans and their natural environment.
"Here are two sites that show that humans have a relationship with animals, as the main food at that time, so there are three depictions of humans, in front of the pig depicted, one is looking down as if he is going to shoot the pig," Budianto Hakim added.
Utilising cutting-edge u-series laser ablation dating techniques, the research team determined the artwork's age. This method has provided unprecedented insights into the timeline of human creativity and artistic expression.
Experts speculate that this groundbreaking discovery not only enriches our understanding of Indonesian art but also contributes significantly to the global narrative of art history.
The earliest known evidence of drawing was discovered on rocks in the Blombos Caves in southern Africa, dating back to between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago.
'Our ancestors were intelligent' - Landmark discovery reveals world's oldest figurative cave art in Indonesia
The oldest example of figurative cave art has been discovered in the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, as footage filmed on Friday shows.
Australian and Indonesian scientists collaborated to uncover a masterpiece dating back 51,200 years, shedding light on ancient human creativity and storytelling prowess.
The mesmerising mural features a depiction of a wild pig and three human-like figures engaged in a hunting scene, showcasing early human-animal relationships. Among the figures, one poised to strike the pig with a spear highlights our ancestors' imaginative storytelling abilities.
Lead researcher Budianto Hakim from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) praised the discovery, stating, "If we talk about the tradition of storytelling, the evidence is here. So this shows that our ancestors were intelligent ancestors who lived in Maros,"
Beyond the narrative painting, ancient images of anoa pigs and palm trees adorned the cave walls, reflecting the close connection between early humans and their natural environment.
"Here are two sites that show that humans have a relationship with animals, as the main food at that time, so there are three depictions of humans, in front of the pig depicted, one is looking down as if he is going to shoot the pig," Budianto Hakim added.
Utilising cutting-edge u-series laser ablation dating techniques, the research team determined the artwork's age. This method has provided unprecedented insights into the timeline of human creativity and artistic expression.
Experts speculate that this groundbreaking discovery not only enriches our understanding of Indonesian art but also contributes significantly to the global narrative of art history.
The earliest known evidence of drawing was discovered on rocks in the Blombos Caves in southern Africa, dating back to between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago.
The oldest example of figurative cave art has been discovered in the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, as footage filmed on Friday shows.
Australian and Indonesian scientists collaborated to uncover a masterpiece dating back 51,200 years, shedding light on ancient human creativity and storytelling prowess.
The mesmerising mural features a depiction of a wild pig and three human-like figures engaged in a hunting scene, showcasing early human-animal relationships. Among the figures, one poised to strike the pig with a spear highlights our ancestors' imaginative storytelling abilities.
Lead researcher Budianto Hakim from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) praised the discovery, stating, "If we talk about the tradition of storytelling, the evidence is here. So this shows that our ancestors were intelligent ancestors who lived in Maros,"
Beyond the narrative painting, ancient images of anoa pigs and palm trees adorned the cave walls, reflecting the close connection between early humans and their natural environment.
"Here are two sites that show that humans have a relationship with animals, as the main food at that time, so there are three depictions of humans, in front of the pig depicted, one is looking down as if he is going to shoot the pig," Budianto Hakim added.
Utilising cutting-edge u-series laser ablation dating techniques, the research team determined the artwork's age. This method has provided unprecedented insights into the timeline of human creativity and artistic expression.
Experts speculate that this groundbreaking discovery not only enriches our understanding of Indonesian art but also contributes significantly to the global narrative of art history.
The earliest known evidence of drawing was discovered on rocks in the Blombos Caves in southern Africa, dating back to between 75,000 and 100,000 years ago.