July 4th 2024.
In the depths of an Indonesian island cave, a remarkable discovery has been made - the world's oldest artwork. But what exactly does this ancient art depict? Well, after thorough analysis, researchers have confidently dated it back to a staggering 51,200 years ago. This makes it over 5,000 years older than the previous record-holder, and sheds new light on the timeline of when humans first displayed their creative abilities.
The artwork was found in the Leang Karampuang limestone cave, located in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi. Upon closer examination, the researchers have determined that it is not just a random collection of images, but rather a narrative scene - making it the oldest-known evidence of storytelling through art. So, what exactly is depicted in this ancient masterpiece?
The painting shows three human-like figures surrounding a wild pig, with the largest figure holding a rod and the second figure appearing to hold a stick near the pig's throat. The third figure is upside-down, with one hand reaching towards the pig's head. According to co-author Dr. Adam Brumm, the positioning of the figures and the way they are interacting suggest a deliberate and purposeful storytelling element. However, the exact story behind the painting remains a mystery.
This discovery has pushed back the timeline of when humans began to use art as a form of communication, with previous evidence dating back to around 100,000 years ago. The researchers used a new laser technique to determine the age of the painting, which involved creating detailed maps of calcium carbonate layers on top of the artwork. This allowed them to identify any physical and chemical changes over time.
Interestingly, the previous record-holder for the oldest painting was also a depiction of a wild pig, found in a different cave on Sulawesi. This painting, measuring 136cm by 54cm, was discovered in 2021 and dates back at least 45,500 years. The team that made this groundbreaking discovery was led by Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a rock art specialist from the National Research and Innovation Agency in Jakarta.
Oktaviana highlights the significance of this finding, stating that narrative storytelling has been a crucial part of early human culture in Indonesia since ancient times. He also notes that this discovery has exceeded all expectations, as no other Ice Age art in Europe comes close to being as old as this. This finding has not only pushed the boundaries of human history in Indonesia, but it has also sparked curiosity and opened up new possibilities for further research.
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