Oldest known cave painting in Indonesia depicts pigs and people

Scientists from Griffith University in Australia have discovered the world's oldest-known narrative artwork in a cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The painting, believed to be at least 51,200 years old, depicts three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig. This finding, dated using a new laser technique that maps rock samples to date calcium carbonate crystals, significantly predates the previous record-holder of nearly 44,000 years.

The discovery suggests that early humans were capable of sophisticated storytelling through art much earlier than previously thought, challenging the long-held belief that Europe was the birthplace of such cave art. The painting’s age aligns with the timeline of the first Homo sapiens moving through Southeast Asia before arriving in Australia approximately 65,000 years ago. This new understanding of early human cognitive evolution highlights the potential for more ancient art discoveries worldwide.