Recent findings reveal that the oldest known rock art, dating back over 67,000 years, has been discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. This ancient stencil, resembling a human hand, provides valuable insights into the migration patterns of early Homo sapiens. The study, published in the journal Nature, marks a significant milestone in the understanding of human artistic expression and movement.
The stencil, located in the Liang Metanduno cave, is believed to be a remnant of a population that may have initiated the first human migration to Australia. This discovery predates previously documented cave paintings in the region by approximately 16,600 years. According to Maxime Aubert, a researcher at the Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research at Griffith University, “Sulawesi was home to one of the world’s richest and most longstanding artistic cultures, with origins in the earliest history of human occupation.”
Significance of Sulawesi in Human History
Sulawesi has long been recognized as a vital location in the narrative of human history, serving as a hub for artistic innovation. The island has preserved some of the oldest cave art ever discovered, including depictions of both human and animal figures. Previous research conducted by the same team highlighted a potential hunting scene in the region, further establishing its importance.
The latest research focused on identifying a range of ancient rock art across Sulawesi and its surrounding islands. The study revealed several stencils, including the claw-like hand outline from Liang Metanduno cave. Employing techniques such as uranium-series dating and mineral deposit analysis, the researchers confirmed that this stencil was created around 67,800 years ago. They attribute this artwork to an artist from the Homo sapiens lineage, likely connected to the ancestors of Aboriginal Australians.
Connecting the Dots of Early Migration
The implications of this discovery extend beyond art; it also supports theories regarding the migration of early humans into Sahul, the paleocontinent that once linked Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania. Adhi Agus Oktaviana from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency stated, “It is very likely that the people who made these paintings in Sulawesi were part of the broader population that would later spread through the region and ultimately reach Australia.” This aligns with the idea that ancestors of the First Australians were present in Sahul by 65,000 years ago.
Previous studies have suggested two possible timelines for the arrival of Homo sapiens in Sahul: the “long chronology” around 65,000 years ago and the “short chronology” around 50,000 years ago. These studies proposed two migratory routes, with the northern path passing through Sulawesi and the southern route through Timor, leading to New Guinea and Australia.
The Liang Metanduno cave is notable not only for its ancient art but also for containing younger artworks, indicating a prolonged period of human occupation spanning at least 35,000 years. Renaud Joannes-Boyau from Southern Cross University emphasized, “With the dating of this extremely ancient rock art, we now have the oldest direct evidence for the presence of modern humans along this northern migration corridor into Sahul.”
As the research team looks ahead, they aim to continue exploring human art and migration traces along the northern route into Sahul. Aubert noted the archaeological significance of other Indonesian islands situated between Sulawesi and New Guinea, pointing to new opportunities for future investigations.
This groundbreaking research not only enriches our understanding of ancient human culture but also highlights the critical role of Southeast Asia in the story of human migration. The findings open exciting avenues for further exploration into the depths of human history, inviting researchers and historians alike to delve deeper into the past.
