- Archaeological News
-
Image Credit: Ahdi Agus Oktaviana/Maxime Aubert via AP
Ancient Hand Stencils in Indonesia Identified as the Oldest Known Cave Art
Hand stencils discovered on cave walls in a remote region of Indonesia have been identified as the oldest cave art yet studied, dating to at least 67,800 years ago. The findings come from southeastern Sulawesi, an area that remains only partially explored archaeologically.
The pale handprints were created by placing hands against the rock surface and blowing pigment around them, leaving clear outlines. In several cases, the fingertips were intentionally shaped to appear more pointed, indicating a deliberate artistic choice rather than accidental marking.
To determine the age of the art, researchers analyzed mineral crusts that formed over the handprints, providing a minimum age for their creation. The results place the stencils earlier than any previously dated cave wall art, strengthening Indonesia’s position as a key region in the early history of human creativity.
The hand stencils represent a complex and shared artistic tradition, suggesting that early communities on Sulawesi engaged in symbolic expression long before similar practices appeared elsewhere. Fine anatomical details confirm that the prints were made by human hands, though the specific population responsible cannot yet be identified with certainty.
Other cave paintings found nearby—including depictions of humans and animals—date to much later periods, around 4,000 years ago, indicating that artistic activity in the region continued over tens of thousands of years.
Researchers note that further exploration of nearby islands may reveal even earlier examples of rock art, offering new insight into how artistic traditions emerged and spread during humanity’s deep past.
Published on: 21-01-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
Source: Associated Press