Virtual Tour of Leang Batti

Journey to Leang Batti cave in Sulawesi and witness remarkable rock art dating back 7,000 years.

By Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

The cave entrance

As it is located on a high cliff, visitors must walk along the river from Bontocani Village for two hours. Visitors also need to climb a bit to reach the entrance. A massive guano smell will welcome the visitors when they reach the entrance of the cave.

The anoa head

The rock art features intriguing partial depictions. Many anoa are shown only from the neck up, their heads turned to the left or towards the cave opening.

The Anoa Head at Batti Cave (2014) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

The anoa image

A striking detail: this anoa is depicted only from the neck up, its head oriented towards the cave's entrance. The ochre pigment is directly brushed onto the cave wall.

A group of hand stencils at ceiling in Uhallie cave by DominicArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

A group of hand stencils on the ceiling

Discover hand stencils painted high on the cave ceiling. How did the ancient artists reach such heights?

Leang Batti's Natural Resource

Locals harvest soil and guano from a cave opening for fertilizer. Guano, bat and bird excrement, is rich in nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium, vital plant nutrients.

Pigs and hand stencils in Batti Cave, Adhi Agus Oktaviana, 2014, From the collection of: Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

The heads of pig images at Batti Cave, Adhi Agus Oktaviana, 2014, From the collection of: Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

A spiral motif as psikografi at Batti Cave, Adhi Agus Oktaviana, 2014, From the collection of: Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

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Pig imagery and a hand-drawn circle adorn the right-hand cave wall, offering a glimpse into ancient artistic practices. This adds to the overall composition.

Vandalized Rock Art

The rock art panel shows hand stencils and a pig, its style reminiscent of the Maros-Pangkep region. Later graffiti obscures parts of the ancient art.

Tedongnge Cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaArchaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

See more rock arts in Sulawesi

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Archaeological, Language and Literature Research Organization

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