An ancient rock painting in Indonesia, dating back 51,200 years, is the oldest evidence of people illustrating stories in history. The painting features a wild boar and three human figures, demonstrating the ability of early humans to think abstractly and create art. This discovery challenges our understanding of human evolution by revealing that creative thinking and storytelling were present in our ancestors far earlier than previously thought.
The painting was discovered on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and is older than any known cave art. Researchers believe that this artwork showcases the moment when modern humans first displayed their creativity. Professor Maxime Aubert from Griffith University, Australia, believes that the painting is the oldest evidence of storytelling and abstract thinking. The pig and human-like figures depicted in the painting have intricate details and symbolism, suggesting that early humans had complex artistic skills.
The dating process for this painting involved laser-cutting small samples from different parts of the artwork to determine its age based on the layering of limestone in the caves. This method allowed for a more precise dating than previous methods.
This significant discovery sheds light on the creative abilities of early humans and suggests that art and storytelling have been essential parts of human culture for tens of thousands of years. With new dating methods being developed for cave art, more discoveries may be made in the future, potentially changing our understanding of when creativity emerged in our ancestors’ timeline.
