tech
January 21, 2026
Hand shape in Indonesian cave may be world’s oldest known rock art
Archaeologists say stencil painted with ochre in limestone cave on Muna Island was created at least 67,800 years ago
TL;DR
- A hand stencil found in a limestone cave on Muna Island, Indonesia, has been dated to at least 67,800 years old.
- This discovery could be the world's oldest known rock art and suggests early human migration routes to Australia.
- The art was created by spraying ochre mixed with water over a hand pressed against the cave wall.
- Researchers believe the intentional modification of the hand stencil suggests complex symbolic meaning, possibly created by Homo sapiens.
- Other human species like Neanderthals and Denisovans are also considered potential creators of ancient rock art, including similar hand stencils.
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