Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Oldest Rock Art Discovered in Indonesia
Scientists found the oldest rock paintings ever discovered in caves on two Indonesian islands, Sulawesi and Borneo.
These paintings are over 67,800 years old, which is much older than any other known cave art.
The art includes pictures of animals and handprints made by blowing pigment over hands pressed against the cave walls.
This discovery is important because it shows that early humans were capable of sailing across open water and had advanced artistic skills.
The findings also suggest that humans were spreading out from Africa much earlier than previously thought.
Some experts believe this art could help us understand how early humans migrated and lived in this region.
Oldest known rock paintings discovered in Indonesia, dating back 67,800 years.
Art found on Sulawesi and Borneo islands, including hand stencils and figurative cave art.
Supports theory that early humans had seafaring technology and migrated across open water.
Provides insight into early human intelligence and artistic capabilities.
Discovery challenges previous beliefs about the origins of sophisticated cave art.
- Who
- Researchers from Griffith University and University of Southampton
- What
- Discovery of the oldest known rock paintings
- When
- Art dates back 67,800 years
- Where
- Sulawesi and Borneo, Indonesia
- Why
- Provides clues about early human migration and seafaring capabilities
- Location
- Sulawesi and Borneo, Indonesia
- Age
- 67,800 years old
- Significance
- Oldest known rock paintings
- Migration Clues
- Supports theory of early human seafaring
- Art Techniques
- Hand stencils and figurative cave art
- Research Journal
- Nature
- Researchers
- Griffith University and University of Southampton