Scientists have identified some of the earliest cave paintings produced by humans a rural area on the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi. See full story with pictures at BBC.
Until now, paintings this old had been confirmed in caves only in Western Europe.
The journal Nature reported the Indonesian discovery transforms ideas about how humans first developed the ability to produce art. A contributing researcher said the minimum age for the outline of the hand is 39,900 years old, which makes it the oldest hand stencil in the world.
The first evidence of ancient cave art was in Spain and southern France, which prompted thoughts that art, and with it our humanity, began in Europe. But a professor from the Natural History Museum in London says the discovery of paintings of a similar age in Indonesia shatters this view.
The discovery of 40,000-year-old cave paintings at opposite ends of the globe suggests the ability occurred at about the same time worldwide.
The Indonesian cave art shows the beginnings of human intelligence as we understand it today. Two examples of modern art below.
Until now, paintings this old had been confirmed in caves only in Western Europe.
The journal Nature reported the Indonesian discovery transforms ideas about how humans first developed the ability to produce art. A contributing researcher said the minimum age for the outline of the hand is 39,900 years old, which makes it the oldest hand stencil in the world.
The first evidence of ancient cave art was in Spain and southern France, which prompted thoughts that art, and with it our humanity, began in Europe. But a professor from the Natural History Museum in London says the discovery of paintings of a similar age in Indonesia shatters this view.
The discovery of 40,000-year-old cave paintings at opposite ends of the globe suggests the ability occurred at about the same time worldwide.
The Indonesian cave art shows the beginnings of human intelligence as we understand it today. Two examples of modern art below.
First came the ability to make fire, sit around the warmth and tell stories, perhaps notice movements of the stars, and develop a wheel to assist with moving heavy articles.
Art, one of the key ways to express abstract theories, lifted us out of a basic animal to that of a human being.
Then, chuckle, came the most important human attribute—the writing of those stories which led to novels. Plots grab our imagination and generate another outlook on life. And they are available to all—free at the library or to purchase in paperback or ebook form.
My new novel Shattered Shells will be released on Amazon on 31st of the month. Click: The pre-order link is live now.
Art, one of the key ways to express abstract theories, lifted us out of a basic animal to that of a human being.
Then, chuckle, came the most important human attribute—the writing of those stories which led to novels. Plots grab our imagination and generate another outlook on life. And they are available to all—free at the library or to purchase in paperback or ebook form.
My new novel Shattered Shells will be released on Amazon on 31st of the month. Click: The pre-order link is live now.
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