In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Griffith University in Australia have revealed what may be the world’s oldest evidence of storytelling through art. The painting, found in the limestone cave of Leang Karampuang on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, depicts three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig.
This ancient artwork provides new insight into the origins of art and storytelling. A team of scientists, led by researchers from Griffith University and Southern Cross University, has discovered and dated the cave painting on Sulawesi. The findings have been published in the journal Nature. With a minimum age of 51,200 years, the Leang Karampuang cave painting holds the oldest recorded message in the world.
The discovery challenges previous beliefs about the timeline of artistic expression and surpasses even the oldest known cave paintings in Europe. The caves on Sulawesi have also revealed other remarkable cultural treasures, including an ancient hunting scene now dated to at least 48,000 years old thanks to innovative dating methods.
Our collaboration with Google Arts & Culture has allowed us to digitally showcase these ancient cave paintings to a global audience. Panoramic images captured recently provide a unique glimpse into our shared history with these remarkable artworks. This collaboration not only increases accessibility to these sites but also contributes to their preservation as invaluable cultural treasures.
We are thrilled about this discovery and excited to share it with everyone!