Prehistoric People of Sulawesi Say 'Hello'!
See hand stencils found in several kaarst region in South Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and South East Sulawesi
A group of hand stencils at Uhallie Cave (2022) by Dominic and AA OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Hand paintings in Sulawesi came mostly in stencils. These hands were men, women and children's hands. Hand paintings might appear anywhere in a cave. They might be on their own, or clustered in varying groups of left and right hands, or the stencilled hands might appear among (or even inside) paintings of animals and other objects.
The left hand stencils sprayed from fingers to a forearm at Sakapao Cave (2015) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Hand stencils from fingers to forearm at Sakapao cave
This type of hand stencils are rare, mostly hand stencils found in caves only draws from tip of the finger to the palm or the wrists.
Variety of hand stencils in Sumpangbita cave were depicted in a range of colors from orange, red, dark red, and purple. Not only adults, but also children, had their hand stenciled on the walls of the cave.
Hand stencils with narrowed fingers at Jarie Cave, Maros, Sulawesi (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Narrowed fingers hand stencils
Jarie means a lot of hands in Buginese languages. There are 88 images of hand stencils found in Leang Jarie cave. The characteristic of these hand stencil are the narrowed finger tips. Leang Jarie is located in Simbang kaarst, Maros, South Sulawesi.
A group hand Stencils from Tedongnge Cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Narrowed fingers in Leang Tedongnge, Pangkep
Three children hand stencils at Timpuseng Cave, Maros (2021) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Three hand stencils depicted in Timpuseng cave
Based on thorough research, these hand stencils are recognized as children's hand stencils.
Hand stencil at main Panel of Leang Tedongnge (2020) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The condition of hand stencils near the pig image of 45.5 ky
Superposition of hand stencils and hand prints in Jing cave
A series of two group of hand stencils with narroewd finger at Lompoa Cave, Maros (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Horizontal rows of hand stencils
The two parallel rows of of hand stencils found in Lompoa cave.
Hand stencils at Uhallie Cave, Bone, Sulawesi (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The hand stencils near animal images
Three hand stencils with narrowed fingers in Leang Uhallie, Bone. The narrowed finger hand stencils are known to link with hunting activities.
A group of hand stencils with normal and narrowed fingers at Andomo Cave, Sulawesi (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The hand stencils in Andomo cave
Hand stencils found in the cave combines hand stencils that are normal shape and narrowed finger style.
Hand Stencils in Mbokita Cave, Central Sulawesi (2020) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The hand stencil on the coast of Matarape karst
The Matarape Karst has three rock art sites, which are Uma Pabangka cliff, Berlian cave, and Mbokita cave. The rock art sites are in the coastal area. Hand stencils predominates these sites.
Two hand stencils from Pominsa cave, Muna (2021) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The first hand stencils found in Muna island
These hand stencils are located in Pominsa cave, Muna island. Pominsa cave has numerous hand stencils, and human figures riding horses, hunting scenes, fighting, and seafaring, other images such as boat and geometric motif can also be found in Muna island.
Red and yellow hand stencils from Afofo sites, Fakfak, West Papua (2021) by AA OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Do you want to say hello to prehistoric people in Borneo and Papua? Check more stories here
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