In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from Griffith University in Australia have uncovered the world’s oldest evidence of storytelling through art. This ancient artwork was found in a limestone cave on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
The painting depicts three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig, providing new insights into the origins of art and storytelling. A team of scientists, led by researchers from Griffith University and Southern Cross University, has dated the cave painting to at least 51,200 years old.
This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the timeline of artistic expression and surpasses even the oldest known cave paintings in Europe. The caves on Sulawesi have also revealed the world’s oldest hunting scene, now dated to at least 48,000 years old thanks to innovative dating methods.
Our collaboration with Google Arts & Culture has allowed us to digitally showcase these ancient cave paintings to a global audience. The panoramic images captured recently provide a unique glimpse into our shared history with these remarkable artworks. This collaboration not only increases accessibility to these sites but also contributes to the preservation of these invaluable cultural treasures.
