Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Humanity’s Artistic Origins: Discovering the World’s Ten Oldest Cave Paintings and Their Timeless Stories. – The Ranking According to The Archaeologist
Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of ancient artistry as we delve into the world’s ten oldest known cave paintings. These remarkable creations offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the dawn of human creativity, spanning continents and millennia. From the rugged caves of Spain to the limestone formations in Indonesia, each artwork narrates a unique chapter in the tapestry of our shared human history.
1. Maltravieso Cave – Cáceres, Spain (64,000 Years Old) Discovered in Cáceres, Spain, the Maltravieso Cave holds a treasure trove of ancient art dating back an astonishing 64,000 years. This archaeological marvel challenges conventional timelines, providing glimpses into the symbolic expression of early humans. The cave’s paintings and hand stencils offer unique insights into the cognitive and creative capacities of our distant ancestors.
2. Caves In The District Of Maros – Indonesia (43,900 Years Old) Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4, located in the Maros-Pangkep karst of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, boasts artwork over 43,900 years old. This cave stands out for its detailed narrative, depicting part-animal, part-human figures engaged in hunting activities. The discovery reshapes our understanding of early art, suggesting a sophisticated artistic culture in Sulawesi much earlier than previously believed.
3. Lubang Jeriji Saléh Cave – East Kalimantan, Borneo (40,000 Years Old) Offering a glimpse into ancient Borneo, the Lubang Jeriji Saléh Cave features faded artwork estimated to be 40,000 years old. The cave’s paintings, including depictions of large mammals and hand stencils, provide valuable insights into the artistic practices and symbolic communication of prehistoric communities in the region.
4. Cave Of El Castillo – Spain (40,000 Years Old) The Cave of El Castillo in Cantabria, Spain, is adorned with over 150 artworks dating back 40,000 years. While some credit Neanderthals for the earliest pieces, later works are attributed to Homo sapiens. The cave paintings, including red disks, club-like symbols, and handprints, challenge preconceptions about the timeline and sophistication of early human artistic expression.
5. Caves In The District Of Maros – Indonesia (39,900 Years Old) The caves in Sulawesi’s Maros district, Indonesia, house some of the world’s oldest cave paintings, dating back 39,900 years. Renowned for thousands of handprints, these caves also feature depictions of big and dangerous mammals. The discoveries contribute to understanding early human migration and artistic practices in Southeast Asia.
6. Kapova Cave – Bashkortostan, Russia (36,000 Years Old) The Kapova Cave in Bashkortostan, Russia, reveals artworks dating back 36,000 years. Discovered in 1959, the cave features brightly colored depictions of various animals, providing insights into the artistic expressions of ancient cultures in Eastern Europe.
7. Chauvet Cave – France (30,000 To 35,000 Years Old) Chauvet Cave in France is a testament to the earliest figurative cave art in Europe, dating back more than 30,000 years. The cave’s diverse and sophisticated depictions challenge assumptions about the artistic abilities of prehistoric people, reshaping our understanding of early human artistry.
8. Coliboaia Cave – Romania (32,000 Years Old) Discovered in 2009, Romania’s Coliboaia Cave reveals 32,000-year-old art, suggesting a shared artistic culture across prehistoric European cultures. The cave’s challenging exploration unearthed paintings of horses, bears, bison, and rhinoceros heads, expanding our understanding of prehistoric cave art.
9. Nawarla Gabarnmang – Australia (28,000 Years Old) Located in Australia’s Arnhem Land Plateau, Nawarla Gabarnmang features a spectacular ancient gallery with over 1,000 paintings dating back 28,000 years. The site challenges previous views on the antiquity of Australian Aboriginal rock art, showcasing vivid depictions of human, animal, fish, and dreamlike figures.
10. Apollo 11 Cave – Namibia (25,500–27,500 Years Old) Situated in Namibia, the Apollo 11 Cave houses some of the oldest portable artworks in southern Africa, dating between 27,500 and 25,500 years old. Renamed to celebrate the Apollo 11 mission, the cave offers a glimpse into ancient artistic expressions in the African context, with seven quartzite slabs known as the Apollo 11 stones.