By Research Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Adapted from Science Advances 2021 Journal - "Oldest cave art found in Sulawesi"
Aerial Video Sulawesi 0375 (2022) by DominicResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The discovery of one of the world's oldest rock art in Sulawesi in 2021 was a paradigm-shifting event in the study of modern humans. It challenges the prevailing view that modern humans only began to produce art around 36,000 years ago in Europe.
The hill of Leang Tedongnge cave (2022) by Dominic and Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
It suggests that modern humans were capable of producing art much earlier than previously thought, and that they were doing so in a variety of different parts of the world.
The Entrance Visual of Leang Tedongnge cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
This discovery has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the evolution of modern humans and their cultural development.
The location of Bulu Sipong 4 cave (2019) by Andrea JalandoniResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
In 2021, a groundbreaking paper was published on Science Advances as a collaboration between Indonesia Archaeology Research Center and Griffith University.
The location of rock art sites in South Sulawesi (2019) by Andrea JalandoniResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Leang Tedongnge, home to the world's oldest rock art
The cave is located in the middle of Biku Valley, Bontoa District, Pangkajene Kepulauan (Pangkep) Regency (no. 1 on the map).
Floor plan Leang Tedonge (2024-02-05) by Dewangga Eka Mahardian and Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The floor map of Leang Tedonge
Tedongnge Cave from Biku village (2017) by David McGahanResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The native inhabitants, Bugis people, live as rice farmers and collectors of nira (coconut) water.
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The art is estimated to be at least 45,500 years old, making it the second oldest known rock art in the world.
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The 45,500 years old art from Tedongnge cave, Pangkep, South Sulawesi (2019) by Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Maxime AubertResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The painting illustrates a series of pigs and hand stencils
The earliest painting in the world illustrates endemic pigs and hand stencils on the wall of Leang Tedongnge (Sulawesi, Indonesia).
Dated pig painting at Tedongnge cave (2018) by Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The age of this painting is around 45,500 years old contemporary to the early modern humans roaming the Southeast Asian archipelago.
Process of uranium thorium dating location of Tedongnge cave rock art (2020) by Maxime Aubert and Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
The age is derived from radiometric dating of a tiny slice of calcite layer that slowly grows and covers some areas upon the painting’s surface.
The panel of the oldest figurative art at Tedongnge Cave by Dominic and Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Cave paintings in Sulawesi deliver a glimpse of ancient life and nature and the earliest phase in the development of human symbolic behavior.
The photo stitch of Tedongnge cave rock art panel (2019) by Adhi Agus OktavianaResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Various issues have threatened the existence of cave paintings all over the world, e.g. vandalism and climatic change due to global warming. Rock art is a fragile and valuable cultural heritage, and it is important to protect it for future generations.
The condition in Lompoa Cave (2021) by DominicResearch Organization for Archaeology, Language and Literature, National Research and Innovation Agency
Curious to know more? Continue to the wonders of the world's oldest hunting scene
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