On the ceiling of a limestone cave on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, scientists have discovered artwork depicting three human-like figures interacting with a wild pig in what they have determined is the world's oldest-known confidently dated cave painting - created at least 51,200 years ago. The researchers used a new scientific approach to determine the minimum age of the newly disclosed painting inside the Leang Karampuang cave in the Maros-Pangkep region of South Sulawesi province by using a laser to date a type of crystal called calcium carbonate that formed naturally on top of the painting. "The method is a significant improvement over other methods and should revolutionize rock art dating worldwide," said Maxime Aubert, a specialist in archaeological science at Griffith Un...
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The breathtaking beauty of the land of promise and harmony From the largest volcanic lake in the world to picture-postcard beaches, ancient UNESCO-recognized places of worship, the excitement of a state-of-the-art motor racing facility and the home of the indigenous Komodo dragon, Indonesia has something for everyone. As travelers take their first tentative steps after years of enforced restrictions, the world’s largest island nation is ready to welcome you. Already popular before the pandemic, the people of this diverse and endlessly fascinating region have been preparing for the time they would be able to once again share the wonders of their land with outsiders. And the recent lack of travelers has arguably had a positive impact on much of the natural environment. The seas se...
Read MoreArchaeologists have discovered the world's oldest known cave art -- a life-sized picture of a wild pig that was painted at least 45,500 years ago in Indonesia. The cave painting uncovered in South Sulawesi consists of a figurative depiction of a warty pig, a wild boar that is endemic to this Indonesian island. Stitched panorama view of rock art panel after enhancing with the Decorrelation Stretch (DStretch) computer program. Photo credits: A. A. Oktaviana, ARKENAS/Griffith University The finding, published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, also represents some of the earliest archaeological evidence for modern humans in the region. "The Sulawesi warty pig painting we found in the limestone cave of Leang Tedongnge is now the earliest known representational work of a...
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