Aerial Video Maros-Pangkep (2022) by DominicArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Hidden Treasure on Sulawesi, Indonesia
The world’s oldest known cave paintings, to date, have been discovered nestled within the limestone karst formations of the Maros-Pangkep region. These artworks have captivated archaeologists and researchers with their origins and the stories they tell.
The entrance of Tedongnge Cave, view from inside (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
A window to the past
Dating back tens of thousands of years, these paintings depicted intricate scenes of hunting, human-animal hybrids and spiritual rituals, offering a window into the minds and lives of our ancient ancestors.
Tedongnge Cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
A global phenomenon and challenge
Rock art has been discovered in locations around the world. Wherever our ancestors lived they made and left their mark. It gives us an important insight into past cultures but has always been difficult to date reliably.
The researchers waiting on queue to go inside Tewet Cave (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Collaborative research
Driven by a shared passion for unravelling history's mysteries, Indonesian and Australian researchers embarked on a collaborative journey. Their goal: to accurately date these enigmatic artworks using advanced scientific techniques.
Dated pig painting at Tedongnge cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
U is for Uranium
Previous methods of dating indicated that Sulawesi is host to some of the oldest known rock art in the world. That work was based on solution Uranium-series analysis (U-series) of calcite deposits overlaying rock art in the limestone caves of Maros-Pangkep.
The earliest hunting scene from Bulu Sipong 4, Pangkep (2019) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Maxime AubertArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
L is for Laser
A new technique: laser ablation U-series imaging (LA-U-Series), was used to re-date some of the earliest cave art in this area, and to determine the age of stylistically similar motifs at the other Maros-Pangkep sites.
A DStretch enhancement of wild pig at the ceiling of Leang Karampuang (2024) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
The time machine
This new technique, LA-U-Series, offers a precise timeline, pushing back the known origins of cave art by thousands of years.
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It’s how old?
As results emerged, it was revealed that the hunting ‘scene’ from Leang Bulu’ Sipong, originally dated to a minimum of 43,900 years, is now at least 4,040 years older. This means it’s approximately 48,000 years old.
Basran Burhan at the panel of earliest hunting scene (2019) by Kim NewmanArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Rocked to its very foundation
This revelation reshaped the timeline of human creativity and underscored the importance of Southeast Asia in the study of prehistoric art and human history.
Imaging of Leang Karampuang Rock Art (2024) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana, Ratno Sardi, Dewangga Eka Mahardian, and Adam BrummArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Older still
The new imaging method assigned a minimum age of 51,200 years to a newly discovered cave art scene at Leang Karampuang,
The discussion of hand stencils at Lompoa Cave (2021) by Dominic and Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Shared work, shared learning
This collaboration between BRIN and Griffith University yielded not just groundbreaking scientific discoveries but also strengthened bonds between nations by reaffirming the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage for future generations.
Project Maros-Pangkep team overlooking site around Tedongnge Cave (2018) by David McGahanArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Inspiration for the next generation
These findings will inspire a new generation of researchers to continue the exploration. The story of the world's oldest cave paintings is far from complete, but thanks to this collaboration, it has taken a giant leap forward in understanding the dawn of human creativity.
Nek Tewet and team at the base of Tewet Cave (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization
Working with local custodians
The teams worked with locals, acknowledging their role as custodians of the ancient sites. This ensured the research was conducted respectfully, ethically, and with a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of the Maros-Pangkep caves to the Indigenous peoples of Sulawesi
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Explore Leang Karampuang
The research was made possible by collaboration efforts from various government bodies, universities and communities.
In collaboration with:
School of Humanities, Languages & Social Science
Centre for Social & Cultural Research
Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution
Griffith University, Australia
Pusat Riset Arkeometri, Organisasi Riset Arkeologi, Bahasa, dan Sastra, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Center for Prehistory & Austronesian Studies, Jakarta
Geoarchaeology & Archaeometry Research Group, Southern Cross University, Australia
Pusat Riset Arkeologi Prasejarah dan Sejarah, Organisasi Riset Arkeologi
Pusat Riset Arkeologi Lingkungan, Maritim, dan Budaya Berkelanjutan
Pusat Kolaborasi Riset Arkeologi Sulawesi
Bahasa, dan Sastra, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional, Jakarta
Korps Pecinta Alam Departemen Arkeologi, Fakultas Ilmu Budaya
Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar
Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan Wilayah XIX, Makassar
Badan Layanan Umum Museum dan Cagar Budaya, Direktorat Jenderal Kebudayaan, Jakarta
KK Desain Komunikasi Visual, Fakulta Seni Rupa dan Desain, Institut Teknologi Bandung
