By Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
in collaboration with Griffith University
A rare female anoa and hand stencils at Uhallie Cave, Bone by DominicArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
What is rock art?
Rock art are drawings made by pre-historical humans on hard rock surfaces. The drawings were depicted as paintings, strokes, or carvings. Typical rock art in Indonesia comprises hand stencils, human figures, animals, boats, and geometrical lines.
A landscape of paddy field in front of Sakapao Cave, Pangkep (2022) by Dominic and AA OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Where can we find this rock art?
Rock art sites in Indonesia can be found in Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, East Lesser Sunda Islands, Mollucas, and Papua. To date, there are over 700 sites in inland caves, coastal caves, coastal cliffs, karst islands, and monoliths.
The researchers viewed the rock art by boat in Misool, Papua by Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Ryan SebastianArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Indonesian archaeologists and scientists have extensively expedited throughout Indonesia to document, research, and preserve rock art sites.
Imran pointing the upper panel of Ambe Cliff rock art by DominicArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Here we can see rock art found at Tebing Ambe, a cliff deep in Maros region, Sulawesi.
Process of uranium thorium dating location of Tedongnge cave rock art (2020) by Maxime Aubert and Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
How do we know how old this rock art is?
The rock art samples were carefully taken from the site and analyzed using the uranium series method to determine the age. The Indonesia National Research & Innovation Agency worked with Griffith University to conduct the study at the Radiogenic Isotope Facility.
Human remain from Bulu Bettue cave. (2017) by Ratno Sardi and David BulbeckArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Do we know who painted the rock art?
There are several possible candidates during the Pleistocene era: early modern humans, the Neanderthals, the Denisovan, or the Australomelanosoid. During the Holocene era, we are sure that they were Austronesian and Papuan tribes.
Ochre by Nuno BaretoArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Why are the drawings mostly in red or black?
The primary materials used are ochre or hematites. In some cases, they also used charcoal, limestone, or crushed shells. While they would mainly draw with hands and fingers, they likely also used sprigs and animal bones.
An assemblage of hand stencils on shore cliff at Tapuraramo, Fakfak, West Papua (2021-06-07) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Fawwaz Sinar MahardhikaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Learn more on the oldest cave painting in the world found in Sulawesi.
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