Maros-Pangkep
Indonesia · Asia
300+ caves dated to 40,000 years, proving artistic genius arose independently across the entire world
Age
~40,000 yrs
Period
Early Upper Palaeolithic
Setting
Cave
Art form
Paintings
Discovered
1950
Status
Open (Partial Access)
A complex of over 300 decorated caves in the limestone karst of South Sulawesi. A 2014 dating study shocked the world by confirming hand stencils here at 40,000 years old and a pig-deer painting at 35,400 years — rivalling the oldest European cave art and proving artistic expression arose independently across the globe.
Gallery
Notable Features
- ◦ 300+ decorated caves
- ◦ Hand stencils ~40,000 yrs
- ◦ Babirusa pig-deer paintings
Depicted Subjects
Sulawesi Warty PigsBabirusaHand StencilsGeometric Signs
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.