An international team of researchers, spearheaded by Griffith University, in collaboration with Indonesia's national research and innovation agency (BRIN) and Southern Cross University, has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery: a handprint dating back at least 67,800 years, found in the limestone caves of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This remarkable finding sheds light on the timeline of human migration to Australia. The creators of this ancient artwork are believed to be closely linked to the ancestors of Indigenous Australians, indicating a rich cultural heritage.
Significance of the Ancient Handprint
The hand stencil, discovered amidst more recent paintings, was meticulously dated using advanced uranium-series techniques. Researchers examined mineral layers that formed around the artwork in the Liang Metanduno cave, establishing its age as the oldest reliably dated cave art known to date.
The artistic activity in this cave persisted for an impressive duration, spanning at least 35,000 years, with the last creations occurring approximately 20,000 years ago. Professor Maxime Aubert, co-leader of the study from Griffith Centre for Social and Cultural Research, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating that it reveals Sulawesi as a hub of one of the world's most enduring artistic cultures.
A Unique Artistic Expression
This particular hand stencil is notable for its distinctive claw-like appearance, achieved by narrowing the outlines of the fingers after its initial creation. Professor Adam Brumm, another co-leader from Griffith University's Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, noted that the intent behind this alteration remains a mystery, but it may symbolize a deep connection between humans and animals, a theme evident in early Sulawesi art.
Implications for Human Migration
Dr. Adhi Agus Oktaviana, a rock art expert at BRIN, highlighted the profound implications of this discovery for understanding the ancient history of Aboriginal culture in Australia. He posited that the artists of these paintings likely belonged to a broader population that eventually migrated to Australia.
Debates have long existed regarding the timeline of human arrival in Sahul, the landmass that once connected Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. This discovery lends strong support to the theory that the ancestors of the First Australians were present in Sahul by at least 65,000 years ago.
Researchers have identified two primary migration routes into Sahul: one traversing through Sulawesi and the Spice Islands towards New Guinea, and another directly to Australia via Timor. Professor Renaud Joannes-Boyau from Southern Cross University stated that this finding bolsters the evidence for the northern migration corridor.
With continued support from the Australian Research Council (ARC), the research aims to deepen our understanding of human evolution and preserve cultural heritage. The study, published in Nature, marks a significant milestone in the exploration of early human creativity and migration.