Handprints discovered on cave walls in a remote area of Indonesia may be the oldest known examples of rock art ever studied, with an estimated age of at least 67,800 years. Indonesian and Australian researchers reported the discovery on the island of Sulawesi, where tan-colored outlines were found inside limestone caves. Scientists said the images were created by placing hands against the wall and blowing pigment around the edges. Some fingertips were carefully shaped, showing planned design rather than simple marks. To measure age, researchers studied mineral layers that formed on top of the artwork. The results confirmed that the paintings were made much earlier than other known cave art. Experts said the finding is important for understanding the early history of human creativity.

Researchers explained that the artwork suggests the island supported an artistic culture long before written records existed. The study was published in an international scientific journal and raised questions about the artists. The prints may have been made by Denisovans or by early modern humans traveling through Southeast Asia. Scientists said the careful method shows planning and skill and may change ideas about early human behavior. Other drawings found nearby, including animals and human figures, were dated to later periods, showing that art traditions continued for thousands of years. Researchers believe nearby islands may contain older artwork. Future studies may help explain how early creativity developed and spread across human societies.