Hand stencils and other rock paintings in the region reflect long-term artistic activity in Sulawesi, with other figures dated to around 51,200 years ago. The discovery provides new insight into early human symbolic behaviour and prehistoric art.

Credits: Unsplash; Author: Trnava University;

Some researchers suggest the art may relate to early human migration into Sahul, now known as ancient Australia and New Guinea, hinting at early travel routes through the Indonesian archipelago. The identity of the stencil’s creator, whether early Homo sapiens or another ancient human group, remains uncertain, but the complexity suggests advanced symbolic expression.