The Oldest Painting in the World (Part 2)

Before 2014, no one knew for sure how old the paintings in the caves in Maros were. However, a research paper published in noted international science journal Nature on October 9, 2014, changed everything.

KOMPAS/MOHAMAD FINAL DAENG

A painting of a babirusa on the ceiling of Leang Timpuseng prehistoric cave in Bantimurung district, Maros, South Sulawesi, on Friday. Archeological research in 2014 found that the painting was at least 35,400 years old, making it one of the oldest figurative paintings in the world.

Before 2014, no one knew for sure how old the paintings in the caves in Maros were. Experts estimated that they were less than 10,000 years old. However, a research paper published in noted international science journal Nature on October 9, 2014, changed everything.

The research was held in collaboration with experts from the Makassar Archeology Center, the South Sulawesi Cultural Heritage Preservation Center, University of Wollongong, Griffith University and Australian National University. The paper shocked the global archeology scene and was widely reported by international media.