By Milcah Tanimu
Scientists from Australia and Indonesia have uncovered the world’s oldest known figurative paintings in the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi. The cave art, found on Karampuang Hill on the island of Celebes, depicts a wild pig and three human figures. Dating back at least 52,300 years, these paintings are over 5,000 years older than any previously known cave art.
Professor Maxime Aubert of Griffith University in Australia emphasized the significance of this discovery, suggesting it reshapes our understanding of human evolution. “This painting tells a complex story. It is the oldest existing evidence of a story. It shows that even then people were capable of abstract thinking,”.
The artwork features a pig with its mouth partially open and three human figures. The largest figure appears to be holding a stick with outstretched hands. Another figure, positioned in front of the pig, seems to be holding a stick near the animal’s throat. The third figure is depicted upside down, reaching towards the pig’s head.
Previously, the oldest paintings—geometric patterns made over 72,000 years ago—were discovered in Africa. However, this new finding in Indonesia marks a significant milestone in the history of figurative art.
