A groundbreaking discovery on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has unveiled what is now considered the world's oldest known cave painting. The hand stencil, found in a limestone cave on Muna Island, has been dated to at least 67,800 years ago, surpassing previous records by over a millennium. This finding not only challenges the long-held Eurocentric view of human creativity but also provides new insights into early human migration patterns.

A Leap in Symbolic Imagination

The ancient artwork, a red outline of a hand with claw-like fingers, was discovered by a team led by Professors Adam Brumm and Maxime Aubert from Griffith University. The researchers suggest that this stencil represents an early leap in symbolic imagination, a trait that underpins language, religion, and science. "This discovery adds to the emerging view that creativity was innate to our species," Brumm told BBC News.

Implications for Human Migration

The hand stencil's age supports theories that Homo sapiens reached the Sahul landmass, which includes Australia and New Guinea, much earlier than previously thought. The artwork suggests a northern migration route across Sulawesi, facilitated by lower sea levels and land bridges. This aligns with evidence that northern Australia was settled at least 65,000 years ago.

A Rich History of Sulawesi Cave Art

Sulawesi has become a focal point for archaeological discoveries, with previous finds including a 51,200-year-old narrative scene depicting human-like figures and a wild pig. The latest hand stencil, partially obscured by more recent motifs, was dated using calcite deposits formed over it. The intentional modification of the stencil's fingers adds a layer of complexity, hinting at symbolic meanings yet to be fully understood.