Indonesian handprints are the oldest cave art found yet

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by By  ADITHI RAMAKRISHNANJanuary 21, 2026 at 05:23 PM
Indonesian handprints are the oldest cave art found yet

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Cave paintings discovered in Sulawesi, Indonesia, have been identified as the oldest known rock art. The handprints, analyzed by Indonesian and Australian researchers, are estimated to be at least 67,800 years old. The art was created by blowing pigment around hands pressed against cave walls, leaving a hand outline. Researchers dated mineral crusts that had formed on top of the paintings to determine their age. The discovery suggests that a sophisticated artistic culture existed on the Indonesian island during prehistoric times. Scientists Adhi Agus Oktaviana and Shinatria Adhityatama are studying the cave art.

Keywords

cave art 100% handprints 90% indonesia 80% sulawesi 70% prehistoric art 60% rock art 60% dating 50% pigment 40%

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