The hand stencil found in a cave on Muna Island, Indonesia, might be the oldest known rock art, dating back at least 67,800 years. Archaeologists discovered this ancient piece of art while studying a limestone cave that also features more recent paintings.
This particular hand stencil is significant because it provides insights into how and when people first settled Australia. Experts believe it was likely created by the ancestors of Indigenous Australians. Prof. Maxime Aubert from Griffith University explained that dating such art opens a unique window into the past and offers a glimpse into the thoughts and lives of our ancestors.
Field studies led by Aubert and his colleague Prof. Adam Brumm have highlighted a rich history of cave art in Sulawesi. For instance, one cave mural, depicting human-like figures alongside a wild pig, was found to be at least 51,200 years old.
The hand stencil was located in Liang Metanduno cave. Though faded and partly covered by newer images, researchers dated tiny calcite deposits formed over the stencil. It shows that humans have painted in this cave for over 35,000 years. This historical art suggests a complex narrative of human migration from to Sahul—what we now call Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania. Historians are still deciphering how ancient humans made their way across islands, but it’s believed that rock art indicates a northern migration route through Sulawesi.
During this ancient time, lower sea levels created land bridges between nearby islands, allowing easier travel. While experts debate when humans first reached Sahul, many, including Brumm, believe the art points to settlement in northern Australia around 65,000 years ago.
These stencils were made by spraying ochre mixed with water around a hand placed against the wall. Interestingly, many of the stencils, including the one found in Sulawesi, have elongated, pointy fingers, which researchers think may have been done intentionally. Brumm commented that these shapes might symbolize something beyond mere representation but added that the exact meanings remain a mystery.
Recent studies in similar caves have dated ochre wall markings, including hand stencils, to at least 64,000 years ago. This raises questions about which human species created them. While some argue these stencils might be complex and specifically the work of Homo sapiens, Prof. Paul Pettitt from Durham University noted that it’s unclear if the pointy shapes resulted from purpose or simply the movement of fingers. He emphasized that other ancient human species, like Neanderthals and Denisovans, also created similar art, which complicates the narrative around creativity and artistry.
In summary, this hand stencil is not just a simple piece of art; it’s a starting point for understanding early human thought, culture, and migration. As researchers continue to study these ancient artworks, our understanding of human history may shift. For more details, you can read the full research in Nature.
This exploration into our past reminds us that the lines between different human species are often blurred, and each discovery adds depth to our understanding of who we are.
