Leang Karampuang
Indonesia · Asia
Currently holds the record for the oldest known narrative and figurative cave art in the world.
Age
~51,200 yrs
Period
Late Pleistocene
Setting
Cave
Art form
Paintings
Discovered
2017
Status
Closed (Research Access Only)
Published in 2024 using a new laser-ablation U-series imaging technique, this rock art panel depicts human-like figures interacting with a wild pig. Dated to at least 51,200 years ago, it is the earliest known surviving example of representational art and visual storytelling globally.
Notable Features
- ◦ Oldest known narrative art (~51.2 ka)
- ◦ Pig and human-like figures
- ◦ Revolutionary laser-ablation dating
Depicted Subjects
Warty PigsTherianthropes (Human-animal figures)
Plan a Visit
AccessClosed to the public.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.